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India v South Africa, 2nd ODI, Bangalore
Kallis hopes to stretch unbeaten run
Dileep Premachandran in Bangalore
November 18, 2005
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'Mickey [Arthur] has made a lot of difference. The team's more honest now' - Jacques Kallis
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Jacques Kallis is one of many cricketers who are far more comfortable at the batting crease than in front of a microphone. On the eve of the second ODI against India at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, he spoke to the media about South Africa's recent resurgence and standing on the threshold of a world-record unbeaten run.
On whether he felt that India erred with their choice of bowlers in Hyderabad
The pitch there probably favoured the seamers more and didn't take as much spin as expected. But having looked at this wicket, we feel spin will come into play more here.
On the challenge posed by Indian conditions
Playing India in India is always tight, and we knew that we'd have to play good cricket to beat them. If we're not on top of our game, we'll come up short.
On what he expects from the Indians here
Well, they're one nil down and we expect them to come out with all guns blazing. We're ready for that.
On whether awareness of equalling the world record for an unbeaten run would add to the pressure
We want to stretch that run for as long as we can. But we take it one game at a time, as we did in the last game.
On how this side stacks up against the legendary team that lost the World Cup semi-final in 1999
I still feel that was the strongest side that South Africa have had. But if we carry on like this, we can also be one of the best sides the country has produced. The stability within the team has been key.
On how Mickey Arthur has changed things around as coach
Mickey's made a lot of difference. The team's more honest now. Guys put their hands up if the performances aren't good enough. He's also been using the computer to help work on technique and other things.
On the dew factor
It will certainly be hard bowling with the wet ball. But we have experience of such conditions back home and are not too worried about it. The toss will certainly be important though.
On whether the Indians experimenting to find their strongest combination reminded him of where South Africa were a year ago
Not really. They're a very strong side, as they showed recently against Sri Lanka. All the teams will be looking to experiment a little with the World Cup in a year's time.
Dileep Premachandran is features editor of Cricinfo
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