JACQUES KALLIS said he was snubbed from coaching South Africa because he is white.
The legendary all-rounder, 45, is working with England as a batting consultant for Chris Silverwood’s side’s tour of Sri Lanka.
He took on the role after leaving the Proteas’ set-up last year.
That came as he was pushed out due to South Africa’s quota regulations to encourage non-white appointments.
The new policy will see the majority of the playing squad and coaching staff made up of black or mixed-raced individuals to better reflect the country’s population.
Speaking ahead of the First Test in Galle, Kallis said: “I wasn’t allowed to be involved with South Africa any more because they said there would be no more white consultants.
“So, unfortunately, that fell away and I took this opportunity with England with both hands.
“I suppose it’s the way of our country. A lot of players have fallen away because of the need for players of colour to be involved.
“There are many coaches who have gone on to other teams.
“It’s sad I can’t help out South Africa but we understand where those rules come from.”
Kallis’ record makes him one of the greatest all-rounders in history with 13,289 Test runs (including 45 centuries), 292 wickets and 200 catches.
His record is similarly monstrous in one-day cricket and he is known as a modest and top bloke.
Some South African players understandably contacted him to see if he could work on an informal basis – but that proposal was blocked.
He added: “Unfortunately there was that rule, so it was pretty much taken out of my hands.”
Now, though, Kallis’ focus is on helping England get 2021 off to a good start with the two-Test series against Sri Lanka – and is already proving popular with the players.
The Cape Town star said: “This tour of Sri Lanka is a wonderful opportunity for me and let’s see where it goes. At this stage, I want to do as much as I can in a short space of time.
“I think it’s one of the shortest lead-ups to a Test series that England have had and I need to be careful not to tinker with guys’ techniques too much.
“It’s more about the mental side of things and making sure they’ve got good game plans. We’ll go through this tour and then see what the future holds.”
