Jacques Kallis' hundred in the second Test at Motera was an innings in tune with the demands of his team and the conditions. In fact, Kallis batted 359 minutes for his 132, a good 250 minutes more than India's first innings in which the hosts managed only 76.
The knock was a lesson in the art of application and determination to get runs. But Kallis said he was not finished yet, despite spending 13 years at the international level.
"Hunger and desire are still there. But the body is taking a little more time to recover. I struggle with these long days, but I am still enjoying it thoroughly. I hope there is plenty of years left. I am enjoying it especially the way we are playing our cricket now. We got a nice blend of old guys and young guys and we start putting performances together like this," he said just after the Proteas had inflicted an innings as 90-run defeat on India.
At 32 years and 174 days, Kallis is the seniormost player in the side and realises his responsibility goes beyond runs scored and wickets taken. "We have a few youngsters that have come and done well now. With Graeme at the front, we tend to try and hold the batting together. We work on strategies, how to play spin and seam etc," he said.
Kallis is the premier all-rounder in the world with close to 10000 runs in both formats of the game in his kitty. He has also taken more than 200 wickets and 100 catches in both forms.
But Kallis said the hard work was taking its toll. "It is a tough job, especially with the amount of cricket being played today. Hopefully, my body can hold a little longer. The bowlers are doing well. As long as I can keep on chipping in with the odd wicket, I'll look at doing that. The way our fast bowlers are going, it's incredible."
With the hundred in the Motera Test, Kallis went past Sir Donald Bradman's tally of 29 Test tons, and the Cape Town player was delighted. "It's nice to achieve that feat and go past the likes of Don Bradman. It certainly is a great honour and something I'll look at with pride."
The burly cricketer also said the team will not rest on its laurels. "To bowl a side out for 76 was unbelievable. As far as Test match wins are concerned this one is right up there with some of the best. But we won't be satisfied with 1-0."
