Kallis's father dies

Jacques Kallis's father, Henry, has died at his home in Cape Town aged 65, after a four-month battle with lung cancer. Kallis, who flew home after the NatWest Series, will miss tomorrow's first npower Test against England at Edgbaston, and is likely to remain in South Africa at least until after next week's second Test at Lord's.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with Jacques and [his sister] Janine at this very sad time," said South Africa's captain Graeme Smith, a Western Province team-mate of Kallis. "Many of us knew Henry; he was a real gentleman, and a wonderful inspiration and role model for Jacques. There was always a strong bond between 'Jakes' and his dad and I know the whole team with be thinking of him through this desperately sad time."

Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalised, but the South African team have told Kallis to take as much time out of the tour as he needs. "This is a desperately sad time for Jacques," said the coach Eric Simons, "and we want him to take as much time as he needs to deal with it. Henry was immensely proud of Jacques' achievements both on and off the field. The two of them had a very special relationship and I'm sure Jacques will have many wonderful memories of his dad."