Proteas coach Mickey Arthur’s first reaction to the news of Jacques Kallis’s resignation as vice-captain of the Proteas national squad, prompted by his non-inclusion in the South African Twenty20 squad for the upcoming World Cup, was to implore Kallis not to do anything hasty, which could have a negative impact on his career.
”Sure he’s disappointed,” said Arthur on Tuesday. ”But the selectors have opted to give him a longer rest as there is a huge season ahead.
”We’ve got to keep him fresh and we felt he wasn’t suited for Twenty20 cricket.
”He should be ready for the tour to Pakistan later.
”But Jacques mustn’t be emotional, he mustn’t put his international career at risk just because he’s missing a 10- or 12-day tournament,” Arthur added.
”The Twenty20 squad is a youthful and exuberant side with plenty of all-rounders and batting right down the list,” Arthur said.
”In essence it’s a young side with new trends and new energy, and for me this is so exciting.”
Arthur said the Twenty20 squad would tour Zimbabwe next week except for wicket-keeper Mark Boucher and all-rounder Justin Kemp.
”We’re going to rest Boucher while Justin will be getting married,” said Arthur. — Sapa