Kallis a true champion, says Tendulkar

New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar lauded Jacques Kallis Tuesday as one of the greatest all-rounders of the game and said the South African was “a true champion”.

Kallis called time on his illustrious 18-year Test career Monday, helping his side achieve a 10-wicket victory over India in the second and final Test at Durban to clinch the series 1-0.

“…It’s been a joy to have played against you. Jacques you are a true Champion. Retired life isn’t so bad :-)),” tweeted Tendulkar, who himself hung his boots last month.

The 38-year-old Kallis surpassed Rahul Dravid (13,288) as the third highest run-getter in Tests with 13,289 runs from 166 Tests, behind Tendulkar (15,921) and Ricky Ponting (13,378), while scoring 115 in Durban.

He ended his career with a superb batting average of 55.37 with 45 centuries and also clinched 292 wickets and grabbed 200 catches for the Proteas.