Kallis injury not serious

Tourists' batting lynchpin will be ready for series opener

Last updated: 30th June 2008

Jacques Kallis South Africa v Somerset Jun 08 (RIGHT SIZE)

Kallis: retired hurt

It is sore but I am fine.

Jacques Kallis
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South African batsman Jacques Kallis insisted he will be fit for the first Test against England despite an injury scare on the opening day of the tour match at Taunton.

Kallis plundered 160 against an under-strength Somerset bowling attack but required a lengthy spell of treatment from the physio after being struck on the elbow by an Andrew Caddick delivery during the evening session.

The right-hander was able to carry on but lasted just two more deliveries - both of which he hit for four - before retiring hurt.

"Caddick hit me smack on the elbow," he said. "It is sore but I am fine."

South African media manager Michael Owen-Smith confirmed: "There is bruising around the elbow and Jacques has an ice-pack on it but we are not worried and there is no structural damage."

Selfish

Caddick had little sympathy for Kallis who, along with Hashim Amla (172), helped the Proteas pile up 455-3 by the close.

"To be leaving the field, he must be in a fair bit of pain," noted Caddick.

"But I'm the opposition and, if he is in pain, it is good for me if I was being really selfish.

"It is one of those funny places. You get nerves and a lot of muscle reaction. I am sure he will be all right.

"He is a strong lad but, as far as I was concerned, I was happy he had left the field."

The first Test of South Africa's four-match series in England starts at Lord's on July 10.