The cricket world has seen many legends gracing the game and scoring truckloads of runs or tormenting batters with their impeccable bowling skills. Moreover, there are some players did had both the abilities of batting and bowling equally well but very rarely won the match for their teams single-handedly. However, there is one legend from South Africa who stands apart from these players. The reason? He was so adept with both the bat and the ball in the hand that more often than not, he turned the tide of the game in the team's favour.
Today October 16, marks the birthday of one of the most influential and legendary all rounder. 's Jacques Henry Kallis, who was born in Cape Town, turned 49 years old today. We often talk about records and the sheer brilliance of the legend on the field, but very rarely the early struggles and the role of a family in a cricketer's life is discussed in the public domain. Besides, one more person who transformed the game of Kallis was the renowned coach, Late Bob Woolmer.
Kallis was known for sharing a very close bond with his father, Henry Kallis. However, he was one of those unfortunate people who lost their mother at an early age. Then later on, in 2003, his father succumbed to lung cancer. Besides his father, the legend has another important person in his life in the form of his sister, Janine. Both of them showed unwavering support from the early days which shaped up the legendary South African's achievements.
Hence on his birthday, let us peep into how Kallis' illustrious career was shaped: 3. Role of father Henry Kallis Jacques Kallis and Henry Kallis (Photo Source : X/Twitter)When it comes to the role of a parent while getting a player trained, most times fathers either teach or tell the technical aspects of the game. But Henry's role was different from other parents. The key reason for that is in sports most times parents want their kids to do well and under that pretext they tend to push them harder than needed.
As a result, many are not able to deal with immense pressure first from their homes and then the stiff competition on the pitch with peers and opponents. While some parents end up taking their kids to a coach to hone their skills. But the beautiful part about Henry was that during Kallis' formative years, he ensured to be the bowler on the other side of the wicket. Hence as a parent not only did he guide him through knowledge and words of encouragement but also was involved in making Jacques Kallis practice.
2. Unwavering support of sister Janine Jacques Kallis and Janine Kallis (Photo Source : X/Twitter)Kallis lost his mother early which meant that sister Janine was one special person who had to not only care for her brother like a mother but also became his constant source of motivation during challenging days. Janine used to attend nearly all the matches played. In fact, during his Under-15 cricket days, he was not selected and it got the legendary South African quite upset and frustrated, both at the same time. It was at that point, that Janine came forward and instilled a mindset of never backing down and showing his true calibre on the field.
Also Read:
Another factor which counts here is that being the sister of a rising cricket star, people often judged and had high expectations of Janine. Hence, it was tough for her to back Kallis when he did not perform well. Fascinatingly, not many fans know that even after Kallis became a legend, she ensured to remain by the side of Kallis in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well. In the IPL 2009, Janine was a cheerleader of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team.
1. Transformation of Kallis by the late Bob Woolmer Jacques Kallis and Bob Woolmer (Photo Source : X/Twitter)The legendary coach Late Bob Woolmer shaped the careers of many international cricket stars. But little is known about Woolmer when it comes to Jacques Kallis. The former South Africa pacer and legend, , once during an interview revealed that Woolmer had astonishingly predicted and said in a bold remark that he had a practice session with Kallis. Notably, in those days, the all rounder was then playing with Wynberg Boys' high school.
Also Check:
Woolmer had declared that the young prodigy would become one of the greatest cricketers the world would ever get to see after watching him. In fact, the legendary coach was the person who taught Kallis how to deal with the pressure of international cricket and flourish under it without getting perturbed by it. Years later as it turned out, as recalled by Donald about a Test played in Melbourne in 1997, Kallis batted for hours and scored a memorable century for a match-saving cause. Speaking of his career, Kallis featured in 519 international games and scored 25,534 international runs with 62 centuries and 577 wickets in his illustrious international career for South Africa.
You may also like
Jharkhand's Healthcare Crisis: Pregnant Woman Gives Birth Outside Hospital, Sparking Outrage
Typhus: Know All About The Silent Killer That's Spreading Fast
Indian Navy is biggest guarantee of peace in Indian Ocean Region, says Rajnath Singh
Abu Dhabi: Free breast cancer screening announced across multiple locations
Denmark Open: Sindhu enters second round; Treesa-Gayatri, Sumeeth-Sikki exit
How is the Sokudo Acute electric scooter? Know what features it has and what is its range
Marks & Spencer shoppers plead for more colours of 'incredibly comfy and warm' funnel neck jumper
Japan sees record foreign tourist arrivals in September
The secret of bumper mileage and strong handling of Maruti cars is revealed!
Eight shocking celebrity moments caught on camera from TV star's 'refusal to clap' to smooch
Dubai school among world's top 150 private institutions in 2024
Inflation crashes! Now BoE has no excuse and MUST slash interest rates to the bone
Drunk Elephant moisturiser that 'helps with redness' and is 'perfect for winter' hits sale with £20 off
Maruti Baleno's Regal Edition is here to make a splash before Diwali, customers will go crazy on seeing it
Russian general threatens invasion of NATO countries and 'restoration' of Soviet Union
Thomas Tuchel net worth, huge England salary and big financial sacrifice
Celebrity chef Shabir Hussain - dubbed the 'King of Curry' -dies aged 56
Your car will start giving 20 to 30 percent more mileage, just do these important settings while driving
Mumbai's Iconic Rhythm House Located At Kala Ghoda Gets New Owner Under Insolvency Auction
Debenhams' 'easy to wear' and 'flattering' autumn dress is perfect with boots