JOHANNESBURG, July 23: The father of 27-year-old all-rounder Jacques Kallis died on Wednesday, the United Cricket Board of South Africa said.

The cricketer returned to Cape Town from England after the triangular one-day series to be with his 65-year-old father Henry, who had been diagnosed in March with lung cancer.

His absence leaves a huge hole in the South African line-up for the first Test against England.

“This is a terribly sad and difficult time for both Jacques and Janine, who have suffered along with their father for some time,” said UCB chief Gerald Majola.

“Jacques has always named his dad as his biggest influence and mentor and Henry gave his everything to support both his children. Our thoughts are with them.”

South Africa’s team management has said Kallis could rejoin the team in England when he felt ready.

England captain Nasser Hussain, speaking at Edgbaston on Wednesday, said: “Our commiserations go to him and his family. Some things are more important than cricket.”

Depending on the date of the funeral, Kallis could play in the second Test of the five-match series which starts at Lord’s on Thursday, July 31.—AFP