from cricket.co.za, February 8, 2003
South Africa captain Shaun Pollock is relieved to have put his off-field commitments behind him after speaking to the media for the last time before the opening World Cup game on Sunday.
The South African squad has undertaken an extensive schedule of duties in the run-up to the tournament, but the opening match against West Indies at Newlands is not coming a day too soon.
"It has been a little bit hectic, probably not ideal," Pollock said. "We probably would have wanted a quieter run-up.
"But you have to understand that you are the hosts and there are certain commitments. I think the way the guys have gone about it has been superb. We really have enjoyed all the experiences and we've done it in a professional manner which has been good.
"It's now full focus on the cricket. As we move through the tournament there are less and less commitments. We've done the bulk of it," Pollock said.
South Africa's captain said he was delighted to be starting the World Cup at Newlands, a ground at which South Africa have played 17 one-day internationals, losing just twice, both times to Australia.
"Newlands has been a good ground for us over the years - we've walked away from the ground victors on a number of occasions. It's a nice place to start. To play the first game of a World Cup is something special."
West Indies will present a formidable challenge, with their strong batting line-up certain to give the South African bowlers a rigorous examination.
Five of the top seven are likely to be left handers, and in a happy coincidence for the South Africans, their two warm-up matches against domestic champions Western Province this week allowed the bowlers a good opportunity to practise bowling to left handers.
"We could say we planned it with our warm-up games against Western Province but we didn't," Pollock said. "Their top five were left handers in the first game and there were several in the second so it's worked out nicely. Each of the bowlers has had preparation against them.
"I think the West Indies top four are left handers so it won't involve too much change of line up front. But if you're on top of your game playing international cricket you can make the adjustment without too much trouble."
The South Africans have not named their starting 11 for the game as they continue to deliberate options.
"We're pretty close but we haven't released it at this stage," said coach Eric Simons. "We've got one or to more discussions to have around strategy. We'll release it tomorrow."
The squad will meet former president Nelson Mandela on Sunday morning before the game.