Plan for life after Kallis

PROTEAS coach Gary Kirsten admitted the team might have to cut all-rounder Jacques Kallis' workload to ensure they get more years out of him now that they are at the summit of Test cricket.

The Proteas returned from Perth yesterday after a 1-0 Test series win over Australia secured their place at the top of the world standings, which they gained with an away series win in England earlier this year.

But Kallis, the world's top all-rounder, sustained a hamstring injury during the second Test in Adelaide and was unable to bowl for the rest of the series. He continued to bat despite not being fully fit.

The situation though, gave Kirsten a glimpse of a future without Kallis, and he is mindful of the need to start grooming the next all-rounder.

Kallis, 37, has played 158 Tests, scored 12980 runs, including 44 centuries at an average of 56.92, since making his debut 17 years ago.

He's also taken a mammoth 282 wickets, which has been a massive contributing factor to the Proteas' success - not to mention his value as one of the best slip fielders of all time, having gobbled up 192 catches.

"Without a doubt we have to look at another all-rounder to eventually take over from Jacques. It's something we're aware of, but I was encouraged by what I saw on this tour.

"Faf du Plessis came in and played exceptionally well and Rory Kleinveldt did well for two Tests. Without Jacques our balance will be affected and we will deal with that when the time comes.

"But we will keep the old dog going for as long as we can, and to do that we will consider scaling down his bowling in the future. Actually, it was good for us to play in a Test where Jacques just batted, because we were able to see how well we could cope with only three seamers."

South Africa beat Australia by 309 runs in Perth without Kallis bowling a single delivery.

Captain Graeme Smith said the success the team is currently enjoying is due to their chameleon-like ability to adapt to foreign conditions.

The Proteas played 10 Tests this year and are undefeated. Only one of those matches was at home.

"There is a maturity about the group and having the type of players capable of adapting their games in all conditions has been a key factor in our success," Smith said.

"But we also have experience in handling different conditions and pressures of playing away from home."