Kallis saving runs for big games, says Amla

South Africa's Hashim Amla on Thursday backed team-mate Jacques Kallis to shine at the World Cup despite a poor run for the Proteas' highest run-scorer in the early stages of the World Cup.

Kallis, the only South African to have completed 10,000 runs in both Test and one-day cricket, has so far contributed just 21 runs in his side's three matches, which have brought two wins and a defeat.

"I don't think there is any concern. Jacques is a world-class player. He has been the rock of the team for the last 15 years. If he hasn't scored it is not a concern. We all know what to expect," said Amla.

"Maybe he is saving runs for the big games. He is an excellent player and will come good."

South Africa's next match is against India in Nagpur on Saturday on a track expected to favour the batsmen.

Amla has happy memories of the VCA stadium, having hammered a double-century in the opening Test against India last year in his team's innings victory - sharing a stand of 340 with Kallis, who made 173.

"It is a flat wicket. I had a good time here, but Test cricket is Test cricket and one-day cricket needs different kinds of skills," said Amla, who scored a century against the Netherlands last week.

"If I score runs again I will be very happy. I think it is a good cricketing wicket and hopefully I can get runs."

The South African opener, currently number one in the ODI rankings, said the pressure would be on the home side.

"I think the pressure will be more on India as there will be expectations. We have played in front of a big crowd before. Fortunately, it will not be a major problem," he said.

"We are looking forward to the big occasion. I think our guys will enjoy playing in front of a big crowd."

Amla, considered more of a Test than a one-day batsman early in his career, said keeping things simple was the key to his success in the shorter form of the game.

"I haven't changed much. I always try to adapt and improve. I try to keep things simple," said Amla.

South Africa beat India 3-2 in a home one-day series before the World Cup, but Amla said his team needed to be at their best as the conditions would be entirely different.

"India have a very good team, of course. We played them in South Africa and know what to expect. On this wicket, it will be a good challenge both for our batsmen and bowlers," said Amla.

"These are their home conditions, but at the same time we all know there is a pressure situation. There will be a lot of expectations."