September 23 Monday 2002
SA ready for spin challenges: Kallis

COLOMBO: South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis believes his side can win back the Champions Trophy by dominating rival spinners on the slow tournament pitches. "Our ability to play spin has improved dramatically," the 26-year-old told on Sunday as his team prepared for their semi-final clash on Wednesday.

South Africa, who won the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998 in Dhaka, face the winners of the deciding pool 2 clash between India and England on Sunday. "We have been to the sub-continent many times and we know how the wickets behave -- we have got the ability to win here," said Kallis, who hit a quickfire 60 during South Africa's big win over Kenya on Friday to top pool 3.

South Africa lost to India in the semi-finals in Nairobi two years ago and could face them again, in particular their spin duo of leg-break bowler Anil Kumble and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.

South African batsmen have long been suspect against spin and could also be up against Australia's Shane Warne or Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan if they reach the final. But Kallis added: "We have got our gameplan set against them." World champions Australia take on the hosts in the second semi-final on Friday and skipper Ricky Ponting has already warned that leg-spinner Warne was yet to find his best form.

Kallis's batting at number three and his swing bowling have been a big boost for South Africa in the last few seasons he is confident he can continue to shoulder the workload. "It obviously is a lot of work. But the team needs me and that's the way I have played it. I don't think it is too much stress, it's been managed pretty well.

"As long as I remain fit and strong enough to do it, I will continue to do it. For the next few years, I think I will be able to do it." Experts have wondered whether doing both jobs could lead to an early burnout for the Cape Town player.

Kallis said South Africa were keen to win in Colombo to boost their build-up for the World Cup in February and March at home. "It's all about getting the right things in the right place, a matter of adjusting a little bit," Kallis added. "The basic gameplan is still there, so we can get that pretty much in order even here."