Yet, if you have been listening carefully to Barry Richards comments thoughout the Lord's and Old Trafford games, Kallis was a natural to take the award. He is developing into the all-rounder role that not only Bob Woolmer planned for him three years ago.
The young Western Province all-rounder has long been a class act, exemplified by his performances as a batsman in this third test of a series, which has even been headlines on a couple of United States TV stations. He batted well at Edgbaston and bowled with purpose at Lord's.
His century at Old Trafford was one of style, class and maturity.
Richards, it should be suspected, is still a true South African at heart, despite his long spells in Australia. He has referred to the South African team as a ``juggernaut which rolls on in a way England can only dream about for the moment''.
The former Test opening batsman is solidly behind the youth policy of selection panel convener Peter Pollock and how his panel have reshaped the make up of the side.
South Africa's growing dominance in this series is as a result of hard work and self-reliance among team members.
``This has happened not only because of the established stars but the youngsters who, in two short months on tour, have shown the capacity to learn and implement at the highest level,'' Richards said in conversation in the Old Trafford media centre on Sunday when echoing his team-building preferences.
He saw Makhaya Ntini, Kallis, and Paul Adams, all in their early 20's with Ntini's 21st birthday falling on Monday, as the pillars on which future South African teams will be built.
``It is interesting,'' he said, ``that all three come from different racial groups and have come to the test arena in different ways. To me it is a comfort to see them blossom as players.
``Ntini looked out of his depth in Australia earlier this year despite a good initial one-day performance against New Zealand in Perth. But not any more. He has worked hard on his physique without losing any of his lithe athleticism,'' said the former South African and Natal opener.
It was easy to see how the former West Indian fast bowler Malcolm Marshall has been Ntini's role model and their actions are not dissimilar.
No longer do we have that pure raw pace of six months ago. It has been replaced by important attention to details. It has resulted in a balanced, compact rhythmical and high action. This has given Ntini more control of length.
Or, as Richards sees it will be more productive when it comes to taking wickets. His pace, at around 140 kp/h whcn clocked by the speed gun ``is up there with all bar Allan Donald''.
What has impressed as well in the cold, chilly climate at Old Trafford is his increased ability to regularly land the ball on the seam.
``It has made him a genuine threat, even on a pitch as slow as this one at Old Trafford.''
Richards was equally praiseworthy of the advances whick Kallis has displayed since the tour of Australia. It is his progress as an all-rounder, with a batting bias, which now complements Shaun Pollock. As a pair they have given ``flexibility and balance to the side'' making Hansie Cronje's job as captain much easier.
``Kallis's batting is more mature because his shot selection is improving. He is young, has a vast range of strokes and plays them at well-chosen times, which is the key to his current success.
``He is now patient enough to wait for the right ball and there is no doubt his present, modest, Test record is set to improve,'' he added.
As for Adams, Richards feels he has so far bowled well throughout the tour ``and poses problems to all but the very best''.
``Gogga is working on a new delivery that moves into the right hander, which will be a welcome addition to his armoury. He hasn't had the confidence to bowl it in a match yet but once developed it could mean his best is still to come.''
What has been impressive is that the trip represent as well as reflect the growing demographic make up of the game in a South African context.
``This is exciting to see as I feel they will inspire others,'' Richards added.