What happens when one has the bloodline of legendary cricketers like Peter and Graeme Pollock? Nothing less than an international cricket sensation is born. Shaun Pollock, son of great Peter Pollock and nephew of Graeme Pollock was one of the greatest disciplined bowlers in the history of the game. Naive and young, Shaun made his debut in 1995 and soon rose to the standards of international cricket.
Starting off as a first-change bowler, Shaun soon graduated to take the new ball, and paired up with quickie Allan Donald; their twin pace attack soon became the backbone for South Africa's success in the latter half of 1990's. Considered as one of the straightest bowlers, who would bowl from close to the stumps, Shaun Pollock had the rare ability to swing the ball both ways, which deceived even the best of the best batsmen. Known for his accuracy and ability to constantly bowl in the corridor of uncertainty, Shaun will be remembered for his seven-wicket haul in the scorching heat of Adelaide in 1998, on a perfect batting pitch.
While his focus was always on the off stump, a surprise sprung from nowhere, as Shaun was made the captain of the side, after Hansie Cronje was shown the exit door from the game forever. Irrespective of the undercurrents of demoralisation and lost valour within the team, Shaun rose to the occasion and brought the team close to its lost international standards. Known for not being muck with the bat, Polly as he was fondly known, always contributed lower down the order and played some match winning innings.
However, he soon faced flak from all facets of the game and mounting criticisms towards his game, forced Shaun to announce his retirement on his home ground – Durban, in early 2008. Though Shaun's withdrawal from the game came as a shock to many of his fans, his smile and exuberance will remain captured in the hearts of every cricket fanatic.
SOUTH AFRICA
