Smith rubbishes Kallis criticism

Kallis is widely regarded as one of the world's leading all-rounders, however, the world champions believe he cannot score quickly enough to propel his side to a major total and claim his innings during their group match in St Kitts, when he struggled to 48 off 60 balls, was a better indication of Kallis' limitations.

It is a view which has been strongly dismissed by South African captain Graeme Smith, who said: "Jacques is a world class player. He plays to the way he assesses conditions and assesses the team total on the day and he's not going to get it right all the time. He's won many games for South Africa as a batsman and he still will win many games."

Since that innings against Australia, Kallis has been more aggressive in his approach and Smith admitted he has had cause to analyse his style in one-day cricket.

"Certainly over the last couple of months and perhaps the last year he's had a look at his one-day game and maybe with the game changing he's had to reassess a few things," said Smith.

"But he's still an integral part of our team. I'm sure he's going to play a massive part in the semi-final and with them saying that I would hope he is the one that turns the screw."

The row was sparked by comments from Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who admitted: "Kallis may be one of the world's best batsmen, but we feel it is an advantage for us to get him in early. He was criticised for his slow batting at number three against us, so it will be great to have him in as soon as possible."

Writing in his column in The Australian newspaper, Ponting stressed: "Both of South Africa's openers, Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers, have done a very good job in getting the team off to quick starts and we feel they are the key to their chances.

"But if we can get Kallis in there early, I don't think they can get off to the same sort of start and if we get our plans right to him, we can restrict him.

"We all know that if we bowl a certain way and put him under pressure, we can keep him reasonably quiet."

South Africa are considering bringing in spinner Robin Peterson into their thinking on a St Lucia pitch which was slow and low and encouraged spin during the group stage matches. Australia are expected to name an unchanged line-up as they continue in their quest to become the first side in history to win three successive World Cups.