Kallis has Sobers' record in his sights in 100th test

CENTURION, South Africa, Apr 13 (Reuters) South African batsman Jacques Kallis is trying to pretend that his 100th test, against New Zealand starting on Saturday, is just another game.

''I don't mean to sound harsh, but it will be just another test.

There'll be no favours from the opposition and the way New Zealand like to play is to try to get under the opposition's skin,'' Kallis told reporters today.

''But knowing it is my 100th test will make it special, it's an honour and privilege and a nice milestone to look back on one day and be proud of.

''When I started playing for South Africa, there was no way I could have known I was going to play 100 tests.'' Kallis is currently ranked second in the world behind Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Kallis averages 56.40 in tests and has scored 24 centuries. He is also four short of 200 test wickets, averaging 31.68 with the ball.

The 30-year-old needs 160 runs and those four wickets to become the second player, after Gary Sobers, to score 8,000 runs and take 200 test wickets.

Kallis said he expected New Zealand to play a similar brand of ''hard cricket'' to Australia who beat South Africa in five of six home and away tests in the last four months.

''We've gone through the whole Australian thing, so we know how to handle that sort of cricket. So I'm glad there has not been a clearout of players.

''The selectors have kept the same guys to play New Zealand and the experience of the Australian series will stand them in good stead.

''It's now up to the players to repay the good faith of the selectors and produce the results, even though four months of playing Australia does wear you out and the bodies are tired,'' Kallis said.

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