Kallis makes personal best in Proteas run fest

Jacques Kallis scored a career-best double century and A.B. de Villiers an unbeaten 160 as South Africa accumulated 580 for four declared on the second day of the third and deciding Test against Sri Lanka at Newlands yesterday. South Africa declared 40 minutes before tea, giving them time for eight overs at the Sri Lankans who reached 29 without loss by the break. The day was a memorable one for Kallis, who finished with 224, while De Villiers helped himself to 160 not out off just 205 balls, with 19 fours and two sixes. Jacques Rudolph was with De Villiers up until the declaration, scoring 51 not out as he helped to add an unbeaten 127 for the fifth wicket in 20.3 overs. De Villiers and Rudolph were plundering runs at will when Smith declared. South Africa are hunting their first series win at home in three seasons, with this series currently tied 1-1. Rudolph, having dropped down the order from opening to number six, made his first half-century since his return to the team from a five-year absence. Kallis, who had resumed on 159, had not exceeded 200 in a Test despite amassing 10,000 test runs until his 201 not out against India at Centurion in December, 2010. The 36-year-old needed just 65 deliveries yesterday to reach his second double century in 394 minutes and 280 balls, with 29 fours and a six. Kallis fell on the stroke of lunch when an attempted lofted drive went off the toe of the bat to Angelo Mathews, who took a tumbling catch at deep mid-on to give persevering left-arm spinner Rangana Herath his first wicket. Sri Lanka were unable to make any other breakthroughs on the second day with De Villiers advancing to his 13th Test century. South Africa attacked the bowling from the outset, with de Villiers scoring 115 runs off 113 balls yesterday. Kallis enjoyed some good fortune as two outside edges, on 171 and 183, managed to go through the hands of Mahela Jayawardene in the slips, off the bowling of Dhammika Prasad and Mathews respectively. Brief scores South Africa first innings 580 for 4 declared (A Petersen 109, J. Kallis 224, A. de Villiers 160 not out, J. Rudolph 51 not out, Welegedera 1-107, Prasad 2-154) Sri Lanka first innings 29 for no loss (at tea).