Masterclass from Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis couldnt have equalled the record of Gavaskar and Lara with a better innings than the one today against India. South Africa came into the Test with a new coach and were soon 6/2. In came their most experienced player and did what he does best.

Kallis weathered the early storm by patiently building and not giving India any further wickets. In support, Hashim Amla did a great job by giving the strike to Kallis initially and then eventually taking the charge in the final session. Kallis played the Indian spinners with caution but never missed out on scoring oppurtunities, as he punished Mishra severely whenever the latter dropped short.

He exploited the inexperience of Mishra, who was consistently looking for the one unplayable delivery rather than working the batsmen out. There was turn for the leggie but he was trying too hard and ended up bowling a few down the leg-side. It was a battle of attrition which the experienced Kallis won comfortably.

Kallis also didnt allow Harbhajan Singh to settle down. He moved across the stumps to make Harbhajan bowl closer to his body. When he pitched it too close and too full, Kallis swept him with glee.

Zaheer Khan, who started the day with a spell of 6-4-4-2, also couldnt remove Kallis. He tried coming round the wicket to him but Kallis waited for the odd delivery which was too straight and played them past the fine-leg boundary.

To sum up, this innings from Kallis is turning out to be an epitome for mental strength and tactical shrewdness. It will be great to see him score the elusive double hundred tomorrow.