Kallis batting order not to be changed
By Fakir Hassen,
Indo-Asian News Service
The South African national cricket selectors have ended speculation that ace batsman Jacque Kallis would be moved around in the batting order during their Zimbabwean tour that starts Friday.
"Kallis will remain where he is (at number three) for the Zimbabwean tour,
but that does not mean things might not change later," South African coach
Graham Ford said after being instructed by the selectors to do this.
Earlier there had been speculation that there would be some experimentation
with the batting order in Zimbabwe and against visitors India after that. It
was felt that Kallis needed to be moved down in the batting order because of
his huge load as a bowler.
But Ford added it was important not to mess around with the openers, which
was more important than worrying about the rest of the batsmen. He confirmed
that Gary Kirsten and Herschelle Gibbs would remain as openers in Zimbabwe
when the first of two Tests and three one-day internationals start there
Friday.
South Africa is determined to get its batting order right during the
Zimbabwean tour and the visit by India, in preparation for its home and away
battle against archrivals Australia at the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Daryll Cullinan will return to South Africa from England
Wednesday, on the same day his former team mates depart for Zimbabwe.
Cullinan's contract was not renewed for the new season due to his
commitments in England, but he has now indicated his willingness to play for
South Africa again. He will meet with United Cricket Board of South Africa
boss Gerald Majola to discuss this.
Cullinan said he would also see a specialist about a right leg injury that
has prevented him from meeting his contractual obligations with the English
county side Kent for the past three months now.
Mail Cricket Editor
