from news24.co.za April 02 2002 (thanks Caite)
Durban - While acknowledging that this might be the last series in
which he captains South Africa, Shaun Pollock is adamant that he is better
equipped to lead the national cricket team than ever before.
Once again South Africa's preparations for a clash against the world champion
Australians has been overshadowed by off the field wrangling and threats.
Apart from the persistent rumour that the coach and captain would be axed after
South African cricket's woeful summer, there are also vague threats that players
may have their wages docked if they under-perform.
It is not yet clear how under-performance would be measured. Neither is it clear
as to how much players stand to lose.
"All contracts are incentive based," said Pollock after nets on
Tuesday in preparation for Wednesday's fifth limited overs international at
Kingsmead.
"If you don't win you obviously don't deserve bonuses. But I don't think
it's right to actually take away salaries."
Down 3-0 in the seven match series with just three games to play, Pollock faces
the additional pressure of not knowing whether he will still be in charge when
the World Cup begins next year.
"In adversity you learn so much more than at any other time," pointed
out Pollock. "I'm better equipped now to captain the country that ever
before."
Pollock took over the captaincy in the most difficult of circumstances after
Hansie Cronje admitted his involvement in match fixing and subsequently received
a life ban from the sport.
"I've had a good two years as captain," continued Pollock, "but I
suppose my performance will be assessed once these last few games are out of the
way.
"At the moment though we'd like to concentrate on turning this series
around. These other negative influences are not ideal when you are preparing for
a game against Australia."
Pollock's initial hope that South Africa would win the series blew up in
Bloemfontein when a Nicky Ponting inspired Australia stormed to a 37 run win and
a 3-0 lead.
That they cannot actually win the series though might, Pollock believes, allow
the South Africans to break free of their shackles.
"We've got absolutely nothing to lose. I think now that that pressure is
off we can be more carefree and play more like we want to.
"There's no longer a need to be conservative. We can go all out tomorrow
and play good, positive cricket."
No doubt it will be a pleasant change for the sold out stadium if that were to
be the case, However, South Africa's most obvious exponent of positive cricket
has still not been passed fit.
Team physiotherapist Craig Smith said that Lance Klusener would be given as much
time as possible and that a decision on his availability would only be taken on
the morning of the game.
The other concern for the homeside is Mark Boucher. The wicket keeper missed out
on the net session because of a cold, but coach Graham Ford said that he was
confident that Boucher would be able to keep wicket come Wednesday afternoon.
Like the South Africans, the Australians, who took the day off completely, will
also announce their playing XI on Wednesday but it is felt that both Shane Warne
and Michael Bevan will be available for selection.