I'll be fine - Kallis

30 June 2008

Jacques Kallis hooks in his magnificent 160, which was cut short by an elbow injury

South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis insists he will be fit for the opening npower Test against England at Lord’s after giving his side an early tour injury scare.

Kallis was struck on the elbow by former England paceman Andy Caddick when on 152 during the opening day of the three-day game against Somerset at Taunton.

He needed lengthy treatment before being able to resume and then lasted just two more deliveries - both of which he hit for four - before retiring hurt.

Kallis had an ice pack on his elbow following a day which saw the Proteas amass 455 for three after electing to bat on a flat wicket.

But Kallis is adamant he had nothing to contend with but bruising. “Caddick hit me smack on the elbow - it is bloody sore but I am fine,” he said.

Caddick had little sympathy for Kallis as he and Hashim Amla, who made 172, flayed the attack to all parts of the ground.

“To be leaving the field, he must be in a fair bit of pain,” said Caddick. “But I’m the opposition and, if he is in pain, it is good for me if I was being really selfish.

“It is one of those funny places. You get nerves and a lot of muscle reaction. I am sure he will be all right. He is a strong lad but, as far as I was concerned, I was happy he had left the field.”

A South Africa team spokesman confirmed: “There is bruising around the elbow and Jacques has an ice pack on it but we are not worried and there is no structural damage.”

Amla achieved the highest individual score for the Proteas in 13 meetings with Somerset, as he surpassed the 157 by Sibley Snooke at Bath in 1907.

Kallis continued in much the same vein during a partnership of 216 in 43 overs.

Amla, on his first senior tour of this country, was circumspect during the early part of his innings, taking 19 balls to get off the mark.

But he then flourished against an attack lacking first-team bowlers Charl Willoughby, Ben Phillips, Alfonso Thomas and Ian Blackwell.

Only Caddick, playing only his third first-class game of the season after back trouble, posed any problems as he picked up two of the three wickets to fall.