Moody jumps to Kallis' defence

Tom Moody © Getty Images

Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody has defended South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis from criticism - no doubt wary of a response when the sides meet at the Providence Stadium.

Kallis was heavily criticised back in his homeland after South Africa lost their way in a run-chase against reigning World Cup champions Australia at the weekend.

Having come to the crease with the Proteas needing 218 from 29 overs to seal two points for the Super Eight phase, the 31-year-old chugged to 48 off 63 balls and has been blamed by some for the failed pursuit.

But Moody retorted: "He is a very fine player.

"It is not the first time he has been criticised for his method but what I will say on that is South Africa are the number one team in the world and Jacques Kallis is number three in that number one team, so he can't be doing that bad a job."

South Africa have traditionally struggled against spin on slow wickets but, like England, have improved massively over the past decade.

"In general they are a team that have definitely improved in that department but it doesn't mean it is an area we won't be exploring," said Moody, whose team include the masterful Muttiah Muralitharan and Sanath Jayasuriya, a fine one-day bowler.

In addition to deep batting and a varied attack, Sri Lanka have also become as good as any fielding unit in the world during Moody's tenure.

"He has pushed us from our comfort zones to be better players," captain Mahela Jayawardene said of Moody. "To win big games in big tournaments the whole group has to be on that same wavelength."