The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : `It'll be different and difficult'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 16, 2005

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Sport - Cricket

`It'll be different and difficult'

V.V. Subrahmanyam

I don't believe that the pitches here can be a dampener to our attack, says Pollock

HYDERABAD: Shaun Pollock, the untiring fast bowler known for his nagging line and length, seems to be enjoying his new role of mentor in a team which has a perfect mix of youth and experience.

Pollock, a veteran of 94 Tests and 244 ODIs, doesn't believe in past performances. "That we beat the New Zealanders 4-0 is good considering that it came at the right time ahead of the Indian tour. But obviously, we cannot harp on that performance alone. This tour is a different and very difficult one," he said in a chat here on Tuesday.

"Personally, I don't believe that the pitches here, which might be slower to the ones back home or in Australia, can be a dampener to the South African attack. We have a very good bowling attack which can adapt to different conditions. Fast bowling is not all about going flat out. We are confident of putting up a decent show," he said.

"The batting is solid and capable of piling up big scores and the bowling has a lot of variety. Certainly, I don't think we will be pushovers," he said.

Pollock said that the Indians too were on a high after the 6-1 win against Sri Lanka. "Dhoni is in great form. Though we try to avoid looking at individuals as potential threats, we have to watch out for him," Pollock admitted.

Encouraging

Referring to Justin Kemp's recent exploits in one-dayers, Pollock hoped that the big hitter will come good. "Essentially, we look for a collective effort. The way spinner Johan Botha bowled in the practice match was really encouraging," he said.

The fact that the South Africans are looking for greater consistency from Botha was evident from Graeme Smith's remark. The senior players had told him that he would be one of the key players in the coming months. Pollock is ready to shape the destiny of his team, as a player and mentor.

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