Kallis wants to nail England at home

London, Jul 9 (UNI) Veteran South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis lists beating the English in their own lair alongside winning the World Cup and defeating Australia among his main ambitions in life.

''There are three things I really want to achieve: One is beating England in England, a second is beating Australia - and the third is winning the World Cup,'' Kallis told News24.com.

''We've worked hard on our game. Everything we've done in the last year has been towards this series and the Australian one still to come,'' he added.

South Africa have come close to beating England at home on previous occasions but have not quite managed to achive the feat despite some spirited performances. They held a 2-1 lead in 2003 going into the final Test at The Oval, where despite making 484 in the first innings, the visitors lost after Marcus Trescothick scored a double-century.

But Kallis is keen to make amends this time around.

''We've come close in the past and made some silly mistakes at times when we shouldn't have,'' he said. ''This time we hope we can learn from those mistakes and get the foot all the way in through the door, not just halfway - and make sure we play those big moments better than England.'' he said.

''We're probably just favourites - although England being at home maybe makes it pretty much even.'' Kallis also indicated his team will have to dismiss the South African-born Kevin Pietersen early.

''He is obviously a key batsman, who has done well in these conditions. The wickets are quite slow here, and that does suit the way he bats,'' he opined. ''He's a world-class player who's proven it over the last few years, so we'll have to be on top of our game against him. It will be important that we try and attack him early and get him out early.'' UNI XC AB RKM PM1600