Kallis is an absolute gun, one of the best players ever. However, I am of the belief that is one of the cases when the numbers do lie. What I'm trying to say is who is the better batsman, Kallis or Viv Richards? Stats say Kallis, I would say Richards. Who was the better bowler, Kallis or Akram? Stats might say Kallis but I say Akram.
Kallis was just a freak. A solid player in all facets of the game who as a complete package has probably only been surpassed by Garfield Sobers. But best Crickter ever? I'd say Warne, Ponting, Richards, Tendulkar....but perhaps the stats lie. Kallis was remarkable, but more for the sheer will for the contest, the ability to grind out runs, wickets and catches. He was a cricket machine. I prefer my cricketers to play with a bit more flair. I'd like all of them in my side.
regards,
REB