If Jacques Kallis can give SA two more years, they will rule for long: Harsha Bhogle

Allan Donald thinks this is the best pace attack they have had since readmission and even if that is the view of a doting elder brother, it is still the best in the world at the moment and a handful on any surface.

In the modern era a bowler who takes wickets at less than 25 per wicket is rare. South Africa have two in Steyn and Philander and Morkel could well be embarking on the best phase of his career.

And while Kallis can no longer crank up those muscles to deliver 140 kmph, he is still sharp over short spells, which is really all that South Africa need. I still believe Donald himself at his peak with Shaun Pollock, a young Kallis and Lance Klusener might outperform this team, especially since Pat Symcox or Paul Adams might have provided better spin support. But this team outbats even as distinguished a line up as Gary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Darryl Cullinan, Kallis as he was at the turn of the century, Hansie Cronje and Jonty Rhodes. Yes, this has to be the best.

And meanwhile test cricket continues to bloom as I write this after day one of the test in Kolkata where for six hours bat and ball were locked in the kind of contest no other sport can provide.

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