Kallis backs South Africa's bowling

NEW DELHI (AP):

South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis is backing his team's bowling attack to prosper at the World Cup, especially with the presence of three specialist spinners in the side.

"I do think we have a good variety in our attack," Kallis told reporters yesterday after a practice session at New Delhi's Ferozeshah Kotla ground.

Speaking ahead of his side's opener against the West Indies in Group B tomorrow (beginning at 4 a.m. Jamaica time), Kallis said it was "nice that we have three world class spinners in our side" - given the slow pitches of the subcontinent.

South Africa, known for their pace bowlers, has off-spinner Johan Botha, left-arm spinner Robin Peterson and promising leg-spinner Imran Tahir in their ranks, apart from other part-time spin bowlers.

Good fast bowlers

"We have good fast bowlers, who have produced the goods in the last few years. We have got some interesting spinners, we got an old guy, an old allrounder who bowls every now and again," he said referring to himself.

Kallis adds depth to the side with his seam bowling and can be a good backup for pace bowlers like Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and left-armers Wayne Parnell and Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

"We have got a nice cover of varied attack that we can use in (these) conditions and, hopefully, adapt to the conditions no matter what cricket is given. From that point of view, we have got our bases covered and we just need to produce the goods now," said Kallis, who has taken 259 wickets in 307 one-dayers.

Variety in attack

That variety in the attack particularly includes Pakistan-born Tahir.

Tahir, who has represented Pakistan at the Under-19 level, was cleared to be included after qualifying to play for South Africa on the last day of 2010.

"We haven't had a leg-spinner play for us in a very long time," Kallis said. "I think the last unorthodox spinner we had was Paul Adams. It brings something different and puts a little bit of doubt in the batsman's mind. He has fitted well into the squad.

Kallis also gave his bowlers, along with himself, a clean bill of health ahead of the tournament.

"All of them are bowling well at the moment and we can pick any of them so it is an advantage," said Kallis, who has recovered from a rib injury he picked up last month during India's tour of South Africa.

"I am 100 per cent fit and as far as I know most of the guys are in good condition and ready and raring to go. We have got a full 15 to choose from and hope it stays that way through the rest of the tournament."