Proteas will be ready - Kallis

Cape Town - Retired all-rounder Jacques Kallis does not expect the Proteas to go into their three-Test series against Australia undercooked.

Kallis, who retired from Test cricket after the India series late last year, said his former team-mates are eager to come out the blocks flying against the Australians.

"We started slowly in series in South Africa over the last few years and then had to fight back to win or draw series. It emphasised the team's fighting spirit," Kallis told Die Burger's website.

"I think this time the guys are eager not to fall into the same trap. The three-day game they're currently playing in Johannesburg (against a composite South African XI) proves that they're doing everything possible to be ready for the first Test."

The first Test starts in Centurion on February 12.

Meanwhile, Kallis will play for the Cape Cobras in Sunday's RAM SLAM T20 Challenge final at Newlands where he will open the batting.

They will face the winner of Thursday's eliminator match in Durban between the Dolphins and Titans.