Whiskey, from one Jacques to another

One good turn deserves another, and Jacques Rudolph knows it. Rudolph, who's still looking to re-establish himself in South Africa's first XI, scored an unbeaten ton in the second innings against New Zealand in Dunedin. He says he has Jacques Kallis to thank for that in a big way.

When Rudolph came out to bat, Kallis was batting at the other end, already well-set. After Rudolph got to 12, there was a big shout for lbw against him from Doug Bracewell. The appeal was upheld, and Rudolph was ready to walk off. "I thought I was stone dead," Rudolph told Sports 24. "You know when you're out and I thought I was gone. I told Jacques that I wasn't going to ask for the referral and started to walk off, but he said 'hang on, maybe it was pitching outside leg stump'."

"But I was sure and said it would be a waste of a referral. But Jacques insisted, so I asked for it. I was very, very pleasantly surprised when the decision came back."

Yes, the decision was overturned, Rudolph went on to score a hundred and now he's willing to give Kallis what he wants and more. After Kallis was dismissed, he stated his preference: "If you [Rudolph] get a hundred, then I want a double [Johnnie Walker] Blue Label."

One of the most expensive whiskies in the world, it reportedly sells for about 200 Rand per shot in hotels, but Rudolph is not complaining. "No problem," he says. "I'll buy him a bottle if he wants."