from The Independent May 28 2002 (thanks Jenny)
Shaun Pollock's prospects of leading South Africa at next year's
World Cup are becoming stronger by the day.
Selection chief Omar Henry said on Tuesday he was hoping to have individual
sessions with Pollock and the only other realistic contender, Jonty Rhodes, in
the course of the next week.
He will almost certainly have to travel to England to meet Pollock. The South
African captain is playing for Warwickshire and there isn't a big enough break
in the county schedule for Pollock to return to South Africa.
Henry is aware of the need to build on the new momentum created by the recent
structural changes and that requires the captain, the coaching and management
staff to be confirmed as soon as possible.
"But we can't hurry the process," Henry said. "There are certain
procedures that have to be followed. One of these is that I need to find out
from Shaun precisely what he has learned from his stint of captaincy over the
past two years and what his vision is for the future.
"Once we have got everything in place, I think the public are going to be
very pleasantly surprised by what we plan to do."
Rhodes is a reluctant competitor for the position of captain, as he has been
throughout his international career. There is a world of difference between
leading South Africa to the Hong Kong six-a-side tournament, as he has done, and
taking charge of a full international side in the game's biggest arena.
Rhodes has always been in his element when his sole job has been to revive
flagging spirits in the field. What is needed is for him to make a more
meaningful contribution in the dressing room as the senior professional.
To break up the current team of Rhodes as senior pro, Pollock as captain and
Graham Ford as coach makes very little sense.
If there is a worry about the discipline of the team as far as fitness is
concerned, that is the role of consultant Andrew Gray, who has already taken
charge of the World Cup training squad.
Gray is going to have his hands full as South Africa's fast-bowling squad is
going to start the season short of conditioning.
Charl Langeveldt became the latest casualty when he damaged ankle ligaments
playing for his Lancashire League club, Colne. His leg has been put in plaster
and he is not expected to return to action before August.
"Nantie Hayward and Justin Kemp are both recovering from surgery so it is a
huge worry," said Henry.
Then, of course, there is Mfuneko Ngam, who has not bowled a ball in anger for
more than two years.