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Kallis still wants to represent South Africa in Tests and ODIs in the future
South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis is still interested in playing Test cricket and ODIs for his country, despite announcing that he will be skipping the Champions Trophy due to personal reasons, according to his manager Dave Rundle.
“Jacques feels he needs some time out (of the game) … in that time, we are planning the next two years,” Rundle told Sport24.com. “He still wants to continue playing for the Proteas, especially in Tests, and his dream at the moment to go to the World Cup is still there. The decision taken now has no effect on his ongoing commitments to South Africa – this is short-term, and should be viewed as such.”
Kallis last represented South Africa in an ODI in February last year and in a column for the Times of India, he noted that he needed some time off to plan and organise how he can play to the best of his abilities with the dwindling amount of time he has left in the game.
“At my age and stage of career, there are many things to consider outside the game and off the field, and I need to plan and be organised in order to play my best cricket,” Kallis wrote. “I simply cannot go through the motions or take up a place in a squad unless it has my full attention. So it would have been unfair of me to accept a place in the Proteas squad for the Champions Trophy next month. I certainly have not given up my ambition of playing in the 2015 World Cup but, right now, my priority is to finish strongly for KKR and then take some time to reconsider my priorities and consolidate.”
South Africa’s selection convenor Andrew Hudson stated that he fully respected Kallis’ decision and hoped he would return soon.
“It was at Jacques’ request and we are respectful of that,” Hudson said.
South Africa coach Gary Kirsten admitted that Kallis’ absence would be a huge blow to the side, but added that the national team would be able to plug the hole he left behind.
“He’s a big player but this team has progressed to a level where we feel comfortable with whoever we pick,” Kirsten said. “Obviously, he is two players in one so it does affect our combinations but that’s the way it is. He’s been a great player and ambassador for this country. If he feels personally he is not up for the tournament we have to respect that.”