If Kallis wants to be in the World Cup, he must play some ODI cricket, says Russell Domingo
Kallis's last ODI appearance for South Africa was in February last year against New Zealand. Former coach Gary Kirsten had left the window open for him to return to the squad despite not playing bilateral series as he was more important in Test cricket. Domingo, however, has made no such promises.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: August 12, 2013 10:25 PM IST
Jacques Kallis needs to take a tough call on his future in the ODI format for South Africa on his next meeting with coach Russell Domingo. According to an article in ESPNCricinfo, Domingo wants Kallis to commmit himself to playing limited overs cricket if he wants to be in consideration for the 2015 ICC World Cup.
Kallis's last ODI appearance for South Africa was in February last year against New Zealand. Former coach Gary Kirsten had left the window open for him to return to the squad despite not playing bilateral series as he was more important in Test cricket. Domingo, however, has made no such promises.
"If Jacques wants to play in the 2015 World Cup, he will have to play some ODI cricket for us along the way," Domingo said. "It will not be fair on other players if it doesn't happen that way."
Kallis was recalled to the Twenty20 squad for three matches against England and the World T20 last September on the back of his form for IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders and because of his desire to win an ICC trophy.
Kallis was also due to be part of the squad that played in June's Champions Trophy but he pulled out at the last minute, throwing South Africa's plans into disarray. Two days before the squad was announced, South Africa's convenor of selectors Andrew Hudson confirmed Kallis was part of the plans. He was, at that stage, unaware of Kallis' 11th hour withdrawal because of "personal reasons." That decision was communicated only to Kirsten and not the selection panel, until much later, who then included David Miller instead.
Domingo wants a selcted group of players to work on for the 2015 tournament.In all probability the current squad will form the nucleus of the side. If Kallis wants to be part of that, he will have to begin playing regular one-day cricket soon. Domingo confirmed he has a timeframe in mind and he will let Kallis know when that is.
"As a South African unit, we've got to be able to live without Jacques Kallis," he said. "We've had him around for so long but we've got to realise there will be a day when he will no longer be around."
He has been out of action since this year's IPL and has had the better part of six months form his various concerns. Kallis is expected to be back for the two-Test series against Pakistan in the UAE in October.