10 Key Facts About the Life and Cricket Career of Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis was born on October 16, 1975, in Cape Town, South Africa. He attended Wynberg Boys' High School, a renowned institution for producing cricketing talent.

Kallis made his Test debut for South Africa against England in Durban on December 14, 1995, and his One Day International (ODI) debut against England in Cape Town on January 9, 1996.

Kallis scored 10,000+ runs in both Test and ODI formats, with 13,289 runs in Tests and 11,579 runs in ODIs, making him one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history.

In addition to his batting, Kallis was a highly effective medium-fast bowler, taking 292 wickets in Tests and 273 wickets in ODIs, contributing significantly to his team's bowling attack.

Kallis is one of only four players in cricket history to achieve the double of 10,000 runs and 250 wickets in both Tests and ODIs, highlighting his exceptional all-round abilities.

He scored 45 Test centuries and 17 ODI centuries, ranking among the highest century-makers in both formats. His ability to score consistently under pressure made him a linchpin of the South African batting lineup.

Kallis received numerous awards, including the ICC Player of the Year and ICC Test Player of the Year in 2005. He was also named one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year in 2008.

Kallis retired from Test cricket in December 2013 after a match against India, and he played his last ODI in July 2014. He left the game as one of the most respected and accomplished cricketers.

After retiring, Kallis transitioned into coaching and mentoring roles. He has served as a batting consultant for various teams, including the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the South African national team.

Kallis is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of cricket. His consistent performances with both bat and ball, combined with his sportsmanship and dedication, have left an indelible mark on the sport.