from supercricket.co.za, January 18, 2003
The South African cricket team won't be haunted by the ghost of Edgbaston during this year's World Cup, captain Shaun Pollock promised. "It's still in the minds of some people, but it happened four years ago and for us as players it is in the past.
"As a professional sportsman one cannot cling to the past, whether good or bad. That's why our focus is totally on the future and on our task of being the first team to win the World Cup on home ground," said Pollock.
Allan Donald raised the Edgbaston ghost when he was run out against Australia in the semi-finals with the scores tied. The Aussies went through to the final, where they cruised to an easy victory against Pakistan to capture the crown, thanks to better a run average than South Africa.
Pollock admits to butterflies in his stomach at the thought of the spectacle of presenting the World Cup for the first time in Africa.
"The highlight in every player's career is to play in the World Cup. And to play in front of your home crowd is even more special.
"We're likely to be more nervous for that first match against the Windies on February 9 than any match in a long while.
"We'll be aware of the magnitude of the occasion, but when things get going, the butterflies will vanish once we start concentrating on the game."
Pollock believes his side is more than equipped to do what no other side has managed by emerging champions while hosting the World Cup.
"Our strength lies in the team's balance and besides we are playing with lots of confidence. Local conditions are also to our advantage.
"We can rely on six bowlers. And we can bat up to number nine in our batting line-up. Whoever is employed in that position boast a century behind his name at international levels.
"But more importantly, we are hungry to win the World Cup. We only have guard against over eagerness which might lead to our downfall," Pollock warned.