from The Star May 14 2002 (thanks Jenny)
Shaun Pollock is key to South Africa's success in next year's Cricket
World Cup.
This is the view of Australian captain Ricky Ponting and former England captain
Ian Botham, two of the guests at this year's Laureus World Sports Awards.
"Shaun Pollock is one of the best bowlers in the game and is a dangerous
batsman," said Ponting, who recently led his side to victory in both the
Test and one-day series in South Africa.
"He is a crucial member of the side and South Africa need him to be fit and
firing for the World Cup."
Ponting said not too much should be read into Australia's resounding success in
South Africa when predictions are being made for the World Cup.
"It was great for us to be able to play at a lot of the venues where World
Cup matches will be staged, and it was brilliant that the side did so
well," he said.
"That took a lot of pressure off me after I took over as captain of the
one-day side. There was a lot said about the axing of Steve (Waugh) in the media
back home and I was worried that it might have a bearing on our performance.
"By the same token, South Africa obviously missed Shaun when he was injured
and although Mark Boucher didn't do a bad job as captain, the team obviously
missed the all-round expertise of Shaun.
"As long as Shaun is there, South Africa are too good a team to write off.
Anyone can have a poor series, as they did against us, but I expect them to be
very competitive at the World Cup, in front of their own fans and on home
soil."
Botham agreed that Pollock was an integral part of the South African side, but
felt that even with him fit and in form there was still plenty of work to do.
"I was surprised South Africa struggled as they did against Australia at
home. There is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed if they are
going to be a force at the World Cup," said Botham.
"Without Pollock they really do struggle. He is a fine player and the fact
that he bats and bowls means he is vital in terms of the balance of the team.
"Predicting a possible winner of the World Cup at the moment is difficult,
but I don't expect Australia will have things all their own way. A lot of sides
in the game have narrowed the gap with Australia and if Pollock is fit to lead
South Africa, it would be foolish to write them off."