Kallis ready to have fun in BBL04

Marquee Sydney Thunder signing Jacques Kallis says he expects his new side to enjoy themselves in the KFC T20 Big Bash League.

With 13,289 runs and 292 wickets in his 166 Tests for South Africa, Kallis knows a thing or two about success at the highest level and the allrounder believes it all starts with a positive team culture.

"I'm a big believer in team spirit – that's half the battle," Kallis told Fairfax Media.

"Looking at the guys [on the Thunder roster] they look as though they like to have some fun.

"We played this game in the backyard when we were youngsters and we had fun and that's the way I like to play now.

"It looks as though the Thunder are a team that like to do that as well."

With the idea of 'team' so central to Kallis' cricket philosophy, it is no surprise the South African rejects outright the notion he is any kind of saviour for a side yet to make the finals in three attempts.

"There's been so many major players that don't make a difference to a side throughout the season," Kallis said.

"It has to be a collective effort and it will definitely be a team effort [at the Thunder].

"Obviously there's been some tough years but there's no reason why we can't turn it around. It's just a matter of coming together and playing some good cricket.

"It's something new and something that is very exciting. I'm looking forward to it."

But it won't be all fun and games for last season's wooden-spooners, with Kallis keen to pass on the virtues of his own dogged work ethic.

"I want them to learn from me," Kallis said. "I was taught the old school theory that, if you want to learn, you go and seek out the senior players and ask questions; show an interest to learn.

"I discovered that as a youngster, ask the senior players and coaches because they're more willing to help if you put the effort in to ask.

"I can impart some of my knowledge on the young players and they can learn and grow as players and the franchise can grow as well.

"I enjoy giving back to the game because it's given me so much pleasure. I want to have a good season for the Thunder. It's a good challenge."