Kallis back at the top of his game

Jacques Kallis: "Targets and goals have never been huge issues for me" © AFP

Jacques Kallis has attributed his enforced absence from the game for his Man-of- the-Series display against Pakistan in the two-Test series, which South Africa won 1-0.

"I had a nice long break and it had done me a world of good," said Kallis, fresh from scoring three centuries from four innings on his way to a series tally of 421 runs at an average of 210.50.

"Targets and goals have never been huge issues for me. I've never really been one who sets targets. I try and play according to the situation of the game and whatever the team requires at that stage."

Kallis had not been included in the South African team for the ICC World Twenty20 and resigned from the vice-captaincy in protest. Despite persuasion from the South African board to reverse his stand, Kallis stuck to his decision. "I don't think vice-captaincy plays too much of a role. Obviously the vice-captain comes in when the captain is injured. I don't think it's a huge difference."

Kallis was also satisfied by the progress made by his team. "One big thing for us now is we have found the spinner [Paul Harris] and we know what we can get from [him] and [that he will] do a good job for us. So I think that's going to be a key for us. We have also found few fast bowlers that have come through - Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. Andre Nel is obviously bowling well now and we have the experience of Polly [Shaun Pollock]. So I think we are finally getting a nice, rounded side where we have got most of our bases covered."

But Kallis has an eye on the future, with the major challenge being the away tour to Australia. "That will probably be the number one target. It's a tough tour; they are the best in the world and they are ahead of everyone at the moment and you want to test yourself against them. Beating them would be sort of equivalent to winning a World Cup, certainly in the Test series."

Meanwhile, South Africa's preparations for the upcoming five-match one-day series against Pakistan were hampered after Graeme Smith and Vernon Philander joined the sick bay. Smith was confined to his hotel room on Sunday after being laid low by a virus, while Philander is doubtful for the first ODI on Thursday due to hamstring strain. "His [Philander's] rehabilitation may not start before Wednesday, making his chances of being available for selection pretty tight," said Shane Jabbar, the team physiotherapist.