Kallis departure marks end of an era.

Tributes to great cricketers seem to be a frequent task of late. Sachin Tendulkar, Graeme Swann and now Jacques Kallis, a sign that the face of cricket has changed dramatically in 2013. 

Superlatives are easy to come by when discussing such an illustrious career, but what Kallis has achieved in his time as a representative for South Africa is far easier to express with numbers.

With 13,289 Test Match runs to his name, he is, without question, one of the greatest players the game will ever know and his departure marks the end of an era for the game.

Kallis announced his retirement from Test cricket on Christmas Day, but, unlike Tendulkar, was able to finish his Test career in what can only be described in a 'Blockbuster Hollywood' fashion.

By reaching his 45th Test century, Kallis became the third highest Test run-scorer of all time and is bettered only by Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting.

Whilst the result of the of the second Test Match between India and South Africa remains unsettled, it is clear that many parallels are beginning to emerge between Kallis and Tendulkar's respective departures, due to the ovation Kallis has received upon every opportunity over the past few days.

Of course, the key difference between the two being that Kallis was able to grab the fairytale ending which evaded Tendulkar, but the South African's efforts stem far further than merely his efforts with the bat.

Certainly, there have been, and still are many players who typify what it means to be a quality all-rounder, but Kallis is, and for many years will be, the greatest cricketer to grace this term.

Putting his efforts with the bat to the side for just a moment, the 38-year-old has taken 292 Test wickets, a total which he is yet to increase in the current match and with 200 catches to his name he is second in the all-time rankings behind Rahul Dravid.

The modern perception of the game is one which often thrives upon cricketers who have the ability to be an all-rounder. A batsman who can bow a few overs, or a bowler who is handy with the bat.

But with Kallis, instead of potential and capability, South Africa have had a constant performer, one which is almost impossible to replace.

In ODI cricket his achievements are similarly staggering to the eye. The Proteas veteran sits sixth in the all-time records for runs scored in limited overs cricket, with nearly 12,000 runs to his name and has made 86 half-centuries in 325 appearances, a feat which is beaten only by Tendulkar.

It would be foolish to diminish the achievements of the Little Master. Only a handful of weeks ago the critics were celebrating a similarly impressive contribution to the game.

Kallis has however played 138 fewer matches in ODI's than Tendulkar and, retrospectively speaking, he ought to be assessed for his average contribution, as well as his overall statistics.

His absence will certainly bring sadness to those who have appreciated his presence for nearly two decades now, but when your time is up and you can reflect on such a magnificent career, little can be done but celebrate the achievements of such a remarkable cricketer.