Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 2008

The year Kallis cut loose

Until 2007, writes Peter Roebuck, the South African batsman Jacques Kallis "did not so much reflect his times as deflect them". But then he broke free: "Ridding himself of previous fears, he went on the attack, changing tempo at the crease, responding to the needs of the side, allowing himself to lift the ball, expecting himself to dictate. Suddenly he was playing a match and not a game." It all helped to earn him the annual accolade of Wisden's Leading Cricketer in the World

Jacques Kallis - The Leading Cricketer in the World, 2007

From the archives - Wisden 2002

India come from behind to stun Australia

When Australia won the First Test of their 2000-01 series in India, it looked like business as usual, especially when they made India follow on in the second match. But an amazing batting rearguard led by VVS Laxman, who scored 281, set up a remarkable victory - scuppering Australia's hopes of a record 17th consecutive win - then Harbhajan Singh twirled India to series success in the Third Test

Series review | First Test at Mumbai | Second Test at Kolkata | Third Test at Chennai