from BBC Sports Online September 05, 2002 (thanks Jenny)
Shaun Pollock leads South Africa into the summer season with his team having
reached a crossroads and expectation at home growing apace.
After the ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka, South Africa stage three short home Test
series.
Then, next March, they will try to become the first hosts to lift the World Cup.
But this all comes on the back of a disastrous 3-0 Test drubbing in Australia last winter,
and a serious mauling two months later in the return rubber.
Hansie often sent me supportive e-mails or text messages
"It's only when you play the best sides that you really start learning," Pollock
told BBC Sport Online in an exclusive interview.
"When you're dominating games and winning series it's easy to control situations, but
when you're up against it you learn quickly what's required and act on it.
"I've discovered more about captaincy through these defeats than in all our earlier
victories.
"Sure, sometimes you acknowledge that you're being outplayed by a better side, and
that it's beyond mere tactics.
"But even though the bigger picture seems tough, you identify smaller targets such as
an economical bowling stint or the next fifty runs.
"Generally you just attempt to keep focussed and take the half chances - as long as
you've given it everything."
With father Peter and uncle Graeme both South African cricket legends, does that family
history help?
"Naturally, we talk about cricket a lot, so I was gathering knowledge of the game
from an early age.
"It's nice to be able to pick up the phone and talk to them about different issues
knowing that they'll have been watching. It's a great resource to have."
That role also filled by the late Hansie Cronje. Despite Cronje's links with match-fixing,
Pollock and he remained good friends, and the former skipper is remembered with affection.
"Hansie had a huge impact on South African cricket and I spent four or five years
playing under him.
"After I took over, he'd always be there on the phone if I needed advice and often
sent me supportive e-mails or text messages."
South Africa's squad for the ICC Trophy is missing some familiar names.
But Pollock is keen to stress that the omission of certain players does not mean they are
out of contention.
"Take Gary Kirsten, who's form has dipped recently. We know that Graeme Smith will
open in Sri Lanka, so it's pointless Gary sitting around for three weeks.
"We want strength in depth come February, but it's got to be in-form depth throughout
the squad."
Similarly, pacemen Mfuneko Ngam and Nantie Hayward, returning after injuries, stay at
home.
"They'll get more lift and bounce on domestic pitches than in Sri Lanka", says
Pollock, "Ngam is very quick, around 93mph.
"We're expecting some serious performances from him in the next few years, so we want
to nurture and protect him, bring him on slowly.
"He's a great find and could eventually replace Allan Donald but he's suffered
injuries so we've got to mange him properly.
"He's rhythmic, swings it both ways, runs in well and has a great wrist action - all
the attributes you want from a fast bowler."
So, can South Africa win the World Cup?
"On our day, with everything in place, we can beat anyone", says Pollock, before
adding with a smile.
"It'll be Allan's last finals and I'm sure that after the 1999 semi-final he'd love
to be out there batting when we strike the winning run."