Kallis: Worst in two years

2008-08-25 22:03

Altus Momberg

Nottingham - The South Africa cricketers produced their worst performance in two years when they lost by 20 runs in their one-day international against England last Friday, says Jacques Kallis.

But the veteran is confident that the team will do much better in the second match, to be played at Trent Bridge here on Tuesday.

Kallis, the most experienced member of the team, believes the Proteas will have to improve in every department to replicate their Test-series victory in the five-match ODI series.

The performance at Headingley was disappointing, "especially because we had been playing such good one-day cricket during the past few years," he said on Monday.

Kallis does not try to use the poor weather and the resulting lack of preparation as an excuse for last week's defeat.

"It might have played a role but I'd rather say we did not make the mind shift. We arrived and played the match without really thinking about it. One cannot do it at this level.

"It was a good wake-up and we hope we can put matters right here," he added.

Kallis struggled with his batting form throughout the Test series but made his best tour score last week when he reached 52 before being run out. He also bowled well.

A few good deliveries

"It's nice to make a contribution with the ball but I'd like to play a few good innings during the rest of the ODI series," he said.

He had received a few good deliveries during the Test matches and admitted that he had not seen some of them.

"But I hit the ball well the other night and I hope I can continue doing so for the rest of the series."

Conditions at Trent Bridge favour swing bowling and the Proteas will rely heavily on Kallis.

With the weather playing the game for a change, the Proteas were able to put in a good workout for the second consecutive day on Monday.

They concentrated on fielding and Vernon Philander, who had dropped a sitter at Headlingley, went though an intense catching session with wicketkeeper Mark Boucher.

The third match in the series will be played at the Oval in London on Friday.

- Die Burger