“We’ve tried everything against this guy, but we can’t find a weakness in his game”.This comment from ex Australian captain Steve Waugh summarizes the effect Kallis has on his opponents. His mental strength is his primary weapon and if the Australians can’t get to him then no other side probably can. Famous for spending untold hours at the crease despite the onset of fatigue, he has a seemingly unflappable temperament which has propelled him into the elite of world cricket.He is arguably the world’s leading batsman and seems set on staying there. He has a defensive technique second to none and the ability to stand his ground no matter what the circumstances. He is a dogged right hand batsman and muscular fast medium bowler who can swing the ball both ways off a good line and length. He achieved the rare feat of 1000 runs in a calendar year, compiling 1120 runs at an average of 70. He reached the milestone of 3000 runs and 100 wickets in ODI’s faster than any other player in history. As well as his ability with the bat and ball he is a top class slip fielder.Kallis made his first class debut in 1993/4 as an 18 year old, playing for Western Province. His first Test appearance was in December 1995 against England at Durban. His breakthrough came in 1997 with 61 against Pakistan but more notably two matches later when he salvaged a draw for South Africa with a fighting century against Australia at the Melbourne cricket Ground.In 2004, he became only the second player in history (after Sir Donald Bradman) to make a century in five consecutive matches. A year later, he set the record for the fastest half century, as measured by balls faced, in Test history, scoring 50 against Zimbabwe off only 24 balls.The same year, he was selected to play for the World XI team to play in a benefit match for those affected by the tsunami of 2004. He was awarded the Sir Garfield Sobers trophy and the ICC player of the year. Kallis has been appointed Vice captain of the national side and has agreed to continue until the World Cup with this position.As one of the most enduring batsmen of his generation, Kallis' wicket has become arguably the most prized in Test cricket, with the exception of Australian captain Ricky Ponting. These two batsmen are currently seen to be in a race for the world record tally of Test runs, held by West Indian great Brian Lara.