from news24 September 06, 2002 (thanks Jenny)
Johannesburg - Shaun Pollock could play the role of pinch-hitter at the fall of the
first wicket as part of South Africa's new plans to increase the effectiveness of their
one-day international squad.
On Thursday Pollock said he was used as pinch-hitter in the first 15 overs by the English
county Warwickshire, where he had a very successful season, and enjoyed it very much.
"We have already considered the possibility of using me in that role for South Africa
and I would be willing to do it. It would be a nice challenge," Pollock said.
Few players are a match for Pollock when it comes to hitting the ball cleanly and when it
is his day he can rip any attack apart since he does not shy away from taking the aerial
route. It could pay handsome dividends to use the South African captain in the first 15
overs when fielding restrictions are still in place.
Pollock did not exclude the possibility that he could already be used in that capacity as
early as the International Cricket Council (ICC) Championship Trophy that will begin in
Sri Lanka next week.
In certain circles it is felt that Pollock would be better off as first-change bowler than
as opener in one-day matches since he has lost some of his pace. It is said that South
Africa needed two true shock bowlers to open proceedings in order for Pollock to maintain
the pressure with his deadly accuracy and swing later on.
Pollock admits that the pressure is building on the squad to get some new silverware in
the trophy cupboard and he feels that the Championship Trophy offers an ideal opportunity
to fill that void.
"South Africans are a proud sporting nation with high expectations of their teams. We
must now deliver the results expected of us. We were disappointing lately but we are
working hard to put that right and are looking to the future with confidence,"
Pollock said.