It's Sad I Can't Help South Africa: Jacques Kallis
Published - 14 Jan 2021, 02:35 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:26 PM
Former all-rounder Jacques Kallis has expressed his disappointment at not being given the opportunity to help the next generation of South African cricketers but is enjoying his role as England’s batting consultant in the ongoing tour of Sri Lanka.
Kallis, who is arguably the greatest cricketer that South Africa has ever produced, was deemed surplus to requirement following Cricket South Africa’s ‘no more white consultants’ policy.
With South Africa already having a white coach in Mark Boucher, director in Graeme Smith, and batting coach in Neil McKenzie, Kallis has not been utilized by CSA since the 2020 home series against England.
“It’s sad in a way that I can’t help out in South Africa. But I’m thoroughly enjoying my time here and my time in the England set-up. I’m certainly going to give them as much of my knowledge and time as I can to move them forward,” Jacques Kallis was quoted as saying by ESPN.
“I wasn’t allowed to be involved with that South African side because Cricket South Africa said there would be no more white consultants. So unfortunately that fell away and this opportunity of helping England out came about and I took it with both hands,” he added.
“So no I haven’t been able to be involved with the SA guys over the last couple of months. There were a few [quite keen to do so], but unfortunately there was that rule so it was pretty much taken out of my hands,” he said.
“I suppose it’s the way of our country: a lot of players have fallen away because of needing players of colour involved. It’s tough but we understand where it comes from. It is sad, but it’s the times we are living in at the moment,” Kallis said.
‘We’ll go through this tour and then see what the future holds’- Jacques Kallis on his current stint with England
Recently, it has emerged that Cricket South Africa has softened its stance as they aim to have more options available to them in the coaching department.
However, Jacques Kallis is unaware of such development.
”I haven’t heard anything like that. At the moment, I’m concentrating on this role and this tour,” he said
“Like I said, we’ve lost a few players – whatever the reasons – overseas. It’s the times we’re in. There are many other coaches who have gone on to coach other teams – Gary Kirsten, for example – so there’s lots of guys. It’s the modern way of the world.” Kallis added.
England is currently on the lookout for a batting coach, and Kallis, even though he has not applied for the role, is open to extending his stay with the team beyond the Sri Lankan tour.
”We’ll go through this tour and then see what the future holds. The appointment is just for the Sri Lanka leg. I’ve a 10-month old at home and my wife broke her foot just before I came over here. So the appointment was only for Sri Lanka,” Jacques Kallis added.
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