Pollock 'will play in pain'
2005-01-01 08:12
Cape Town - Key bowler Shaun Pollock underwent intensive treatment on Friday and was expected to be fit to play for South Africa in the third Test against England starting at Newlands on Sunday.
Pollock suffered blows on both hands while batting during the tense last afternoon of the drawn second Test in Durban on Thursday.
With South Africa battling to save the match, Pollock was struck by successive balls from England fast bowler Steve Harmison. He needed treatment on the field and underwent ice therapy while the rest of his team were having a day off Friday.
The injury that most concerned the South African team management was to his right index finger, but team spokesperson Gerald de Kock said: "He's in a bit of pain but he will play."
Pollock is crucial to South Africa's chances of drawing level in the five-match series. England lead 1-0 after winning the first Test in Port Elizabeth.
South Africa have relied heavily on Pollock and Makhaya Ntini to take wickets during the past year when bowling opposition sides out has proved difficult.
The problem was emphasised in Durban when England were bowled out for 139 in the first innings but stormed back by scoring 570 for seven declared in their second innings to put the pressure back on South Africa.
Missed a golden chance
South African coach Ray Jennings admitted that his side had missed a golden chance to win.
"We will have to think about how we use our bowling resources," he said.
There are not many options immediately available, however, because the same squad was picked for the Durban and Cape Town Tests.
Jennings said the spirited batting of the South Africans on the last day in Durban, when they were able to save the game, meant the team were confident going into the next Test. "There was a winning feeling in the dressing room afterwards," he said.
But England captain Michael Vaughan reckons he holds a stronger hand than his counterpart, Graeme Smith.
"What really impresses me is the character of my team and their fighting spirit," said Vaughan. "We've had a fantastic year but we're all committed to continuing this form through into 2005."
England's only problem is the form of number three batsman Mark Butcher, who has looked out of form despite making 79 in the first innings of the first Test. There may be some discussion about playing Robert Key in his place.
Teams:
South Africa (from): Graeme Smith (captain), Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Rudolph, Jacques Kallis, Boeta Dippenaar, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Shaun Pollock, Andrew Hall, Nicky Boje, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn, Charl Langeveldt, Thami Tsolekile.
England (likely): Michael Vaughan (captain), Marcus Trescothick, Andrew Strauss, Mark Butcher, Graham Thorpe, Andrew Flintoff, Geraint Jones, Ashley Giles, Matthew Hoggard, Simon Jones, Steve Harmison.
Umpires: Steve Bucknor (WIS), Darryl Harper (AUS). Match referee: Clive Lloyd (WIS).