Pollock faces the chop

2007-09-27 22:11

Karachi - Shaun Pollock is about to be dropped from the South African Test cricket team - and the veteran seam bowler is not happy about it.

Pollock's absence from the SA team's warm-up match here on Thursday against a Patrons XI confirms that the veteran seam bowler is about to be dropped from the Test XI.

The first of two Test matches against Pakistan begins on Monday and it is unlikely that anyone who is not playing in the warm-up match will be selected for the five-day encounter.

Proteas coach Mickey Arthur said on Thursday the management had decided to rely on the faster bowlers for matches on the docile subcontinent wickets.

Paul Harris, the only spin bowler in the squad, will certainly play on Monday and promising fast bowler Morné Morkel also seems certain of a place.

"We will then select two of Makhaya Ntini, André Nel and Dale Steyn to complete the team," Arthur said. "We feel the faster bowlers will get more assistance (from the wicket)."

Pollock, who has played in 107 Test matches, holds the South African record of 416 Test wickets.

However, he has lost much of his pace during the past few years and he battles to make an impression on wickets that favour the batsmen.

Pollock was unhappy about the developments

Arthur nevertheless confirmed that Pollock would still be considered for the Test matches against New Zealand and the West Indies in South Africa later this season.

Arthur admitted that Pollock was unhappy about the developments. "He is a proud player and he still believes he has a role to play in the team.

"We have been speaking to Polly about bowling less on the subcontinent since we were in Ireland in June."

Pollock was unwilling to comment. He merely said he would do so if he were omitted from the Test team.

Arthur said some of the new players in the team would be given opportunities. "It's a chance for Dale and Morné to show what they can do. It will also help strengthen our depth in bowling."

The coach added that three of the batsmen - Herschelle Gibbs, Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers - had something to prove on the tour.

"The batting positions we are still unsure about are two, five and six. There are no worries about Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince."

He also named JP Duminy and Neil McKenzie as batsmen who were next in line for the Test team.

- Die Burger