King Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis today announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket.
“I realised in Sri Lanka that my dream of playing in a World Cup was a bridge too far,” the 38-year-old said via a statement released by Cricket South Africa (CSA).
“I just knew on that tour that I was done. The squad that was in Sri Lanka is an amazing one and I believe they have a good chance of bringing the trophy home in March.”
“I would like to thank Cricket South Africa, the team, the team sponsors, my sponsors, the fans and all the people who have been involved in my career. It has been an amazing journey.”
Sport24
“I am not retiring from all cricket as I have a two-year contract with the Sydney Thunder and, if possible, to help the Kolkata Knight Riders defend the IPL title we won earlier this year.”
Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat, commented: “South Africa has been blessed with one of the world’s greatest cricketing talents in Jacques Kallis. He is undeniably one of the greatest players ever to have graced our wonderful game and he has certainly been the Proteas standard-bearer of excellence for nearly two decades.
“He has played a huge part in making cricket a truly national sport of winners and, in doing so, contributed so much to the important process of nation building. He is a true professional and it has been an absolute privilege to have worked with him both as Convener of Selectors and now as Chief Executive.”
“To say that we will miss him on the playing field is stating the obvious. Each one of us from this day on will treasure the many fond memories of his awesome career.”
“On behalf of CSA and all our stakeholders, I would like to sincerely thank Jacques for his huge contribution to the game of cricket and wish him only the best as he moves on from the international playing arena.”
A living cricket legend, who in my mind ranks up there with the Bradman’s, Lloyds, Tendulkar’s and Lara’s of the world. His batting bowling and fielding stats will rank him as one of the best ever. I am glad for his sake that he chose to retire when he did, because he will be remembered as a great. Jacques, we will miss you on the cricket pitch. Best wishes for your future endeavours.
1. Bradman
2. Kallis
3. The rest……..
Thanks for the memories Jakes.
Ouch.
A bit of a shock, but not totally unexpected given recent performances.
From someone who initially doubted your talent and abilities but later “converted”, “Thank You.” Take a break and enjoy a rest.
thanks for the memories jakes.
Shame really should have stuck around to face the Aussies in the last series and said farewell at Newlands.
Go well Kallis.. a true gentleman of the game.
Jakes will go down as one of the greats ever to have played the game. I’ll never forget that first test ton in Melbourne – just knew it would be the first of many.
Salute!
I remember his first season for WP as a teenager. WP were playing Tvl, led by Clive Eksteen, and Jakes came in, blocked a few shots and then cover drove the bowler for 6. Perfect shot, perfect timing. I knew then that he would be something special. That was almost 20 years ago. Lots of great cricket during that time.
Cheers Jacques. Go well.
Best SA cricketer ever, unlikely that we will ever see another one like him.
Watched every ball of his 1st test ton in Melbourne in 1997 against a formidable Aussie bowling attack.
I believe if AB or Hash started their careers the same time as Jakes he would have had been a much more entertaining and flamboyant bu
Go well Jaques.
I remember an interview some overseas TV station had with Greame Pollock back in the 90’s,while SA were touring there . During the interview Pollock said something to the effect of, “back home there is a young player who I think has the potential to become a great.” Since Gibbs had better school boy career than Kallis, I thought that he was talking about him. But then he said that the boy’s name was Jaques Kallis. It was not long after that that he made his debut for SA.
The rest is history.
Wayde van Niekerk took off like rat up a drain pipe. Silver in the 400 metres.
@ IAAS:
Great run by him.
Some people asked a strange question about the colour of our medalists two days ago. I wonder if they’ve watched today?
4 medals so far today.
Some people had the good fortune to live through the WG Grace era, some theSir Donald Bradman era, and some the Sir Garfield Sobers era.
I lived through the Jacques Kallis era, and I wouldn’t swop that for any of the other era’s.
To me, there has been no other all round cricketer to come close to Jacques.
If you want to put ‘Cricket’ and ‘Class’ in the same sentence, you only need to say his name.
I am truly lucky to have seen and follow his career from start to finish, and am proud that one day I will be able to tell my Grand Kids that I saw him play.
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