The Kallis effect

In Australia in the 1990s a "driving in a bubble" campaign was trialled in a bid to reduce an escalating road toll. The idea was that if motorists kept an imaginary buffer around their cars it would increase their protection levels. Jacques Kallis bats in a bubble, but he seems so consumed by his personal space he is unaware of the team situation or the position of his team-mates.

A prolific, often insurmountable and world-beating batsman, Kallis is so worried about staying on course that he misses the view. South Africa started 96 runs ahead today and with rain clouds hugging the ground any opportunity to score had to be taken. It was obvious to Graeme Smith, who knocked back a light offer before a ball was bowled and then suffered from a high lbw decision, and to Herschelle Gibbs, but not to Kallis, the vice-captain.

While Gibbs was attacking anything red and forcing Glenn McGrath to turn it - he was reported for using obscene language or a gesture after Gibbs was dropped and then hit him for two fours in the 13th over - Kallis looked determined to shun risks and remain not out, a goal he has achieved in 17% of his 161 Test innings. When the weather forced an early lunch following Gibbs' crashing cover-drive to bring up his fifty from 58 balls, Kallis had crept to 4 from 28. His worst mistake was still to come.

Scoring a worthy century in the first innings, Kallis survived a desperately difficult opening day, but when the pitch flattened on the second morning he did not increase his rate, finishing with 111 from a massive 275 balls. Time was wasted that could have been incredibly useful later in the match when a team, say South Africa, was rushing to level a gripping series on the final afternoon. With rain allowing only 20.3 overs today, every remaining minute will be crucial if the Proteas are to achieve a positive result.

The tempo after lunch was more like a one-day game. Australia set their fields back to restrict the target and Gibbs either followed through or glided through gully as he chased runs like escaped chickens. Kallis improved slightly, adding 10 from 16 balls, before he was stuck in bubble-mode again.

Working Shane Warne behind square, not far from Brad Hodge at short leg, Kallis waited until Herschelle Gibbs had ran more than halfway down the pitch to turn to his sprinting partner and shout "no". Hodge's direct throw to the bowler's end beat Gibbs' return and South Africa, who will want quick runs on the final morning to set a target currently at 186, lost the wrong man. Gibbs was not the only person who was angry.

The conditions forced the visitors to take chances in their quest for a rare victory over Australia and Gibbs was happy and successful with the approach. Kallis, a player with a tremendous record and a wide range of shots, had the perfect opportunity to show off but didn't bother. South Africa needed more from their deputy and their winning bubble may have burst. Kallis has managed to be a great batsman without being a thoughtful one.