Jacques Kallis - best cricketer ever?

[toalisi]

Kevin Peterson is on record as saying that Kallis is, in his opinion, the best cricketer ever.

Geoff Boycott says he was the best of the last decade.

In purely statistical terms they are probably both correct. 10300 runs @55 , 258 wickets @31 .
31 centuries and (at present) 52 -50's.
No one other than Gary Sobers comes close. In turns of entertainment and charisma however, Kallis is very lacking and this seems to count against him being recognised as THE greatest (all rounder certainly) of all time.

Any thoughts?

[toalisi]

That is as may be Doc Spock but it doesn't stop people discussing achievements.

[Buzzie]

I like to think I'm one of the other couple Steve!

Yep Jaques Kallis is certainly one of the best all rounders there has been but he is mostly ignored as such because he is an old fashioned batsman who scores his runs at 2.5 - 3 runs per over rather than 3.5 - 4 as is the current trend amongst "great" batsmen. He is a throwback to the old school who prize their wicket above all else, the epitomy of what Test cricket was & always should be.

I for one would much rather watch Kallis, Strauss or whoever grind out a Test hundred against good bowling than watch the hit & giggle that is 20/20 cricket