Kallis resigns as South Africa vice-captain

JOHANNESBURG: Middle order mainstay Jacques Kallis has resigned as South Africa's vice-captain and is considering his future after being left out of the squad for September's Twenty20 World Championships here.

Selectors said Kallis was being rested for the tournament but his slow batting during the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies had drawn plenty of flak in the local media.

"There is a lot of emotion involved because I am extremely disappointed. I was very excited about the tournament and hoping to make a huge contribution," the 31-year-old said here on Monday evening.

Kallis, who has played 107 Tests and 261 one-day internationals, is reported to be keen to play county cricket in England. South African players can sidestep overseas player quotas because of the European Court's Kolpak ruling.

"I feel I have a lot of good cricket left and my best years might even be ahead of me," Kallis added.

"Ideally I would like to play many more years for my country but this weekend caused me to question my future for the first time."