Jacques Kallis wants to defy age and play 2015 World Cup
Kallis knows his body's limitations but is confident of playing the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Says he remains committed to the national side.
South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis is hopeful of playing the 2015 World Cup but says he is fully aware that his 37-year-old body will need constant assessment.
A veteran of 321 ODIs, Kallis hopes to help South Africa win a World Cup for the first time ever and says service to the nation remains his top-priority. "Playing for my country has always been both a huge honour and a privilege," he said on Tuesday. "It remains my aspiration to be available for the 2015 edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup but, at the same time I know as an all-rounder approaching my 38th birthday, I will need to assess my future in the game season by season."
Kallis last played an ODI in February this year but says he is absolutely ready to wear the national jersey going forward. "At the moment I am feeling mentally and physically refreshed and I am looking forward to carry on playing for my country as long as possible."
The South African team is scheduled to play as many as 30 ODIs from this date to the start of the World Cup and head coach Russell Domingo backed Kallis' return. "The plan is to bring him back into the ODI squad for the home series against India in November," he said. "At the moment we have a youthful ODI batting line-up and Jacques brings a maturity that will be invaluable in developing the new generation."