da 888： Shaun Pollock has been dropped from South Africa’s squad for the firstTest against Pakistan at Karachi
da heads bet： Cricinfo staff28-Sep-2007
Shaun Pollock: “I am surprised to have been eliminated already. When I was chosen for thesquad, I thought I had a good chance to play.” © AFP
Shaun Pollock has been dropped from South Africa’s squad for the firstTest against Pakistan at Karachi, three days before the match is due tobegin. South Africa feel Pollock may not be as effective on pitches in thesubcontinent as he once was and are keen to try out younger, quickerbowlers such as Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn.This is the first time in his 107-Test career that Pollock has beendropped for any reason other than injury and unsurprisingly, he admittedto being both surprised and disappointed. “Obviously Mickey [Arthur,coach] had a discussion with me yesterday. We were looking to play 13players in this warm-up match, and then were told 12 were allowed. Mickeytold me I am not playing in this match because I am not playing the firstTest as we are going with different options.”I am surprised to have been eliminated already. When I was chosen for thesquad, I thought I had a good chance to play.”As recently as the turn of the year, Pollock won a Man-of-the-Series awardagainst India and in his last five Tests has taken 21 wickets. But herevealed that Arthur had spoken to him a few months ago about the shape ofhis future role on subcontinent tours; with South Africa due to tourBangladesh and India in March next year as well, this could be a harbingerof things to come.”Mickey feels I have a role to play especially in South Africa wherepitches are more conducive,” Pollock said. “But I don’t think my job onflat subcontinent wickets is over. I know I can perform. Then it’s up toselectors to take me for tours ahead.”I have a good record in Pakistan and if the opportunity arises for thesecond Test, I will take it. It’s disappointing, but you have to move on.”Pollock’s record in the subcontinent is impressive. In 17 Tests in thesubcontinent, he has taken 60 wickets. In Pakistan, he has taken 18wickets in five Tests and helped script a memorable win in Faisalabad in1997-98. If not on the field, then Pollock will at least be happy to playa role off it.”For sure I have a role with the younger pace bowlers. I have experiencein these conditions and even if I am not part of the team, it doesn’t meanI can’t be helpful for others with my experience. Any tips I might have Iwill pass on,” Pollock said.Pollock was also quick to reject the notion that he might be nearing theend of his career, or looking to switch to the Indian Cricket League. TheICL had made him an offer five months ago: “Am I taking Mohammad Yousuf’scontract?” he joked. “They approached me and I was not interested then andam not interested now.”I will take it season by season now as far as my career goes. I neverlook too far ahead. I’ve done well in recent series against India andPakistan and feel I can contribute more to South Africa.”
