Kallis upbeat ahead of new season by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

JH Kallis

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DateLine: 18th September 2009

 

South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis said he is in bullish mood ahead of South Africa's new season.

 

Kallis said that he is "very happy" with the way his game has shaped up in recent months.

 

South Africa begin the new season by hosting the top eight one-day international countries in the Champions

 

Trophy, starting next week, and will then face a massive challenge against Ashes winners England.

 

South Africa would do well if they come closer to what they achieved last season. The wins last season included symbolic away Test series victories over England and Australia as well as back-to-back one-day wins - 4-1 and 3-2 - over Ricky Ponting's side.

 

Kallis, who has been criticised in the past for the slow nature of his batting in the shorter versions of the game and was axed from the squad at the inaugural World Twenty20, has become an important figure in the past 12 months as the Proteas have sought to blood younger players.

 

"Personally, I am very happy with my recent form including my Test century against Australia at Newlands (in January) and then my good run in both the IPL and the ICC World Twenty20," he said.

 

"I have had a good off-season in that it has allowed me time to work on fitness and conditioning and also to do normal things away from cricket.

 

"We have had two very good training camps at Potchefstroom and, like the rest of the guys, I am now looking forward to getting stuck into the new season."