Fans slam Kevin Pietersen for calling Jacques Kallis 'greatest cricketer' on the all-rounder's birthday

South Africa has produced a number of talented cricketers over the years, including the likes of Kepler Wessels, Gary Kirsten, Allan Donald, Lance Klusener, Hashim Amla and many others. However, one name among them that shines bright is the evergreen Jacques Kallis. The Cape Town-born was equally efficient in all the departments, making him an indispensable member.

He will be etched as one of the greatest all-rounders to have plied their trade on the cricket field, if not the best. Kallis made his first-class debut way back in the 1993/94 season and didn’t look back. In December 1995, he forayed into international cricket in a Test match against England at the Kingsmead in Durban. In the subsequent year, he played his first ODI versus the same opponent.

Jacques Kallis- A legendary cricketer

Thereafter, he went on to play 166 Tests and 328 ODIs in which he racked up 13,289 and 11,579 runs respectively. He also boasted of 62 centuries and 144 half-centuries, combing both the formats. Kallis was no mug with the ball either, having picked up 292 and 273 wickets respectively. The veteran wasn’t intimidating with the bat in hand, but had flair and class etched to his batting.

Even with the leather, Kallis used to run in and ruffle a lot of feathers. He brought the curtains down on his South Africa career in 2014 after an ODI versus Sri Lanka in Hambantota. Kallis also scored five half-centuries in the 25 T20Is he played. Such was his aura that he went on to play the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

On Wednesday, October 14, Kallis turned 44 years old and he was greeted with wishes from every nook and corner of the cricket fraternity. Kevin Pietersen, the former England cricketer, wished him and even went on to call him the ‘greatest cricketer of them all’.

Moreover, he made a goof up in his tweet, calling Kallis a 53-year-old. The Englishman took to Twitter and wrote, “The greatest cricketer of them all turns 53 today. Happy birthday, @jacqueskallis75”,

Here is Kevin Pietersen’s tweet

The greatest cricketer of them all turns 53 today. Happy birthday, @jacqueskallis75. ❤️

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) October 16, 2019

In the meantime, the users on Twitter weren’t quite pleased with Pietersen. The same was for the reason that he called Kallis the greatest.

Here are some replies

😂😂😂🤷‍♂️

— Darren Gough (@DGoughie) October 16, 2019

By far? Sir Garry Sobers says hello..

— James Godby (@jimlikescricket) October 16, 2019

Just forward this tweet to Sir Don Bradman. He asked who Kelvin Paterson is? #Jacquesat2

— Ben Hallas (@bigorsey) October 16, 2019

Ooooooo…..that's a claim that will stir argument!

That said, without question one of the all time greats. Happy Birthday Jacques!

— Brett Martin (@Blaydenn67) October 16, 2019

Hmmm. Bradman averaged 100. Streets ahead of the rest.

— Nicholas Frenkel (@NicholasFrenkel) October 16, 2019

He turns 44 🤭🤭

— Chulbul Pandey (@prakashshubh13) October 16, 2019

I’m not sure he finished his career at 99.96% KP.

— earthsoulrocknroll (@WolfChildsBlues) October 16, 2019

Born in 1975, that would make him 43 wouldn't it?

— Craig Dennis (@SirFingGrumpy) October 16, 2019

KP = PK

— kartikey mishra (@kartike52189867) October 16, 2019

I never knew you are a 53 year old. You look way Young @KP24

— Heath Ledger (@LedgerSavage) October 16, 2019

When is your 19th Birthday???

— HAMMAD ABRAR (@HnH1988) October 16, 2019