fromThe Independent January 03, 2003
The reason that South African cricket captain Shaun Pollock declared the innings closed just two runs shy of the national test record was quite simple - he was completely unaware of the milestone.
Pollock had bludgeoned his country to the brink of eclipsing South Africa's test best of 622 for nine made against Australia in Durban in 1969/70 when he marched off the field.
"I actually didn't know (about the record)," said Pollock on Friday after the second day's play against Pakistan at Newlands.
"I just wanted to have four overs at them before tea but the umpire called tea straight away. I had thought that the rule was that if you declared more than 20 minutes before tea they would not call tea. Obviously the rule is now 30 minutes."
South Africa are 479 runs ahead after declaring their innings closed on 620 for seven.
Pakistan made a strong response by moving to 141 for one at the close.
Pollock, however, was unfazed by Pakistan's positive start.
"They've made good starts in the other two Test innings and we've still managed to make inroads into their batting after that," said Pollock, who took the sole Pakistan wicket to fall.
"Tomorrow we'll see how it pans out, but hopefully we'll be able to get among the wickets quite early."
South Africa are likely to receive some help from the pitch that has been up until the close of the second day a terrific batting surface.
"The wicket has speeded up a little and it's beginning to take turn. Nicky Boje has already got a few to turn quite a bit."
Pakistan, who were forced to follow on in Durban in the first Test, require a further 280 runs to avoid following on in Cape Town. - Sapa