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Kallis can't dodge SA duty

Cape Town - Sport24 readers say that all-rounder Jacques Kallis must fight for his place in the Proteas team if he wants to play at the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Proteas coach Russell Domingo is set to have talks with Kallis about his future in the one-day international arena.

The absence of stalwart Kallis for the Proteas in the ICC Champions Trophy and the recent tour to Sri Lanka is seen by many as the biggest reason for the Proteas' recent failures in one-day internationals, especially the increasingly fragile batting line-up.

Domingo has said Kallis cannot be constantly rested for ODIs and then expect to be picked for the next World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Earlier this year, Kallis withdrew from the Champions Trophy citing 'personal reasons', however he later said that he felt he needed some time out of the game with a view to extending his international career by taking a break and staying free of niggles.

Domingo seemed to pour cold water on that idea as he suggested Kallis could not expect special treatment and will need to fight for his place in the Proteas team like the rest of the players if he wants to be considered for selection, and Sport24 readers were in agreement.

This is what Sport24 readers had to say:

"With all due respect to Kallis because is a true legend and has represented the country well over the years, we have all appreciated his contribution and he had risen to every occasion. Indeed we have to come to terms with the fact that age is no longer on his side to keep playing for the Proteas 1 day squad and we must adjust moving forward. Now is the time to focus on building the future squad to make our country shine again. If King Kallis wants to play in the 2015 World cup then he must play in some one day series prior to the world cup because if he is rested all along and then juat called upon for the world cup it will be a huge injustice to the guys who will have kept the team going in the run up to the World Cup."
- Walter

"If he wants to play in the world cup he has to play one days." - Evelyn

"I feel that a player should take part in all events, even if he only plays 1 or 2 games especially in the 1 days. This will keep the atmosphere in the team spirit at good health and does not let the other teammate feel certain players are special. They are all ambassadors for the country." - Ivan Fick

"Manage him correctly and u get da best out of him,at 37 nw i think let him play only a few,but he should check his fitness first and foremost, if his desire is there lt him play, look SA PROTEAS didnt respond well but they managed to win the 20series,move on to the next level, TESTS for KALLIS will prolong his career, the other generations said goodbye to the Oneday Games  and some just play TESTS,  even with KALLIS in the line up, doesnt guarantee victory in the next worldcup, coz he knows hw badly he wants to win it..." - Godfrey Titus

"I think considering the legend Status of the man then en element of managing the player has to come into play yes, but he has rested for a whole year now and the squad is suffering as a result ,there is a definite vacuum in the leadership stakes… I find that over the top…and the youngsters need his experience in the camp…I believe he needs to play at least 5o % of the games going into the World Cup to be considered..that should keep him fresh enough and strike a nice balance." - Nino

"I think the coach should talk to Kallis first before he talks to the Press. Then tell everyone the outcome if its in the interest of all parties."
- Derek Strike

"Mr Domingo is right. He must play and as such he has rested for many months."
- Lulama Mdlovoki

"I think he is our most or probably the world's most valuable player. I understand Russell's concerns with regards to Kallis being not available for limited overs cricket, but we need to manage Kallis and his workload in all formats to ensure he plays test cricket to atleast two years after the retirement of Shatchin Tendulkar to give him(Kallis) a crack at the record of being the world's leading run scorrer in test cricket that he deserves. I think he should play the incoming tour of India 50overs and test cricket no need to abuse his abilities against Pakistan in the UAE. We need to replace Kallis with a similar type of player a proper batsman and a quality test bowler."
- Clive September


Just because Kallis is a special player doesn't mean he should expect special treatment. (Gallo Images)

Do you think Jacques Kallis will prolong his career until the next World Cup? Send your thoughts to Sport24.
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