from supercricket.co.za by Neil Manthorp February 2002
Shaun Pollock bowled hard despite Brisbane's infamous humidity and then
batted twice during a net session that was unusually hard for the day before a
match. The South African captain seemed to be enjoying the Durban-style
heat after the chilly temperatures of Hobart and the quest to find his best form
before the tour finishes shows no sign of abating.
South African journalists know the form by now and don't always spend all four
hours at the nets. There were certain things to look out for on Friday before
the double-header over the weekend but, like most days, 90 percent of the
practise was 'routine'.
Jacques Kallis came through his net session unscathed and apparently fit after
bowling for the first time since twisting his ankle in the opening game against
Australia at the MCG on Sunday.
Allan Donald, however, took no part in the session - at least, not a batting or
bowling part - and now seems certain to miss Saturday's match against New
Zealand. "We might consider him for Sunday's match against Australia if he
can bowl without discomfort," Pollock said.
Donald, meanwhile, was put through some excruciating exercises to strengthen his
stomach muscles which involved him lying on his back, arched over an
outrageously sized beach ball while attempting to catch a medicine ball. Most
individuals would have torn their stomach muscles to pieces, not strengthened
them.
Just as the practise was coming to an end, with Pollock last to leave the nets,
the routine suddenly changed. Spotting three journalists idly tossing a cricket
ball to each other, the skipper suddenly insisted on an organised slip-catching
session.
So, Die Burger's Fanie Heyns was posted at first slip with SABC's Gerald de Kock
at second and Supercricket at third slip. Jonty Rhodes was instructed to throw
balls at Pollock who sliced and nicked the deliveries into the cordon.
The very first throw was slashed wildly to third slip where it struck the
unsuspecting fielder (clearly standing about six metres too close) on the left
hand before hitting the turf. Rhodes smiled. Pollock grinned. The cordon
retreated.
De Kock and Supercricket thereafter managed to hang on to a couple but it was
destined not to be a day of pride for Die Burger who 'clanged' no less than four
in a row.
"Right," said Pollock with a smile. "That means no more criticism
from Die Burger for our fielding...and tomorrow we'll put you in the nets! Just
remember, there's no such thing as a 'routine' slip catch..."