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martialart Right-out
Rehan Butt: Pakistan hockey's captain number 37 Elite
Panel umpire Aleem Dar on his way to glory cricket Shaun Pollock first South African in 400-wicket
club Test batting average in history By Khurram Mahmood Last week India shocked South Africa as they won the first Test comprehensively by 123 runs at The Wanderers in Johannesburg. Obviously it was not a memorable Test for the home side, but all-rounder Shaun Pollock made this match unforgettable by taking his 400th Test wicket.
Pakistani students amaze all with six JuJitsu gold medals '... now that the team has returned with laurels it will be easier to get the much needed support' By Talath Naqvi The First JuJitsu Belt Wrestling Championship took place
recently -- on November 6 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Forty (40) countries
participated in the Asian and World competition and Pakistan managed to
create a stir with some outstanding performances. Three girls and four young men made up the numbers of the seven participants from Pakistan. Shabana Nawaz, the team leader of the girls contingent, returned home with two gold, one silver and one bronze medal. Rumaisa Rana brought back one gold and a bronze, Asma Meboob picked up a bronze. Waheed Uddin, heading the boys contingent, picked up two gold medals, Asraf Ali won a bronze, Mohammad Haroon took a gold and Mohammad Ashiq Hussain won the bronze. The girls were from the Government Post Graduate Girls College Wahdat Road Lahore where Principal Mrs Abida Tanvir, the President Punjab Jujitsu, has been promoting her students to participate in sports activities, particularly JuJitsu. "The students have done us proud. They have done the
nation proud. It was not easy to win six gold medals in the Asian
Championship and one bronze in the World Championship when little has been
done to promote this sport," said Mian Imran Masood Provincial Minister
for Education, who is the Chairperson of the Jujitsu Belt Wrestling
Federation in Pakistan and who visited the college to celebrate the
performance of the students, and to honour their parents for permitting them
to participate. "The students of this college belong to conservative and low income families, and for them to be given permission to travel away from home, particularly abroad, was a stumbling block initially, but with her determined persuasiveness Mrs Tanvir managed to convince parents to allow their girls to participate in the event." The Minister also said that he is supporting sports such as football and hockey in all colleges and schools in the Punjab and now JuJitsu is also being included. He said there was no government support to attend this championship event in Almaty and that Mrs Tanvir and Mr Khalil Ahmad Khan, Chairman and Executive President of the Asian JuJitsu Belt Wrestling Federation, worked tirelessly on their own initiative to gain support and funds. He said that now that the team has returned with laurels it will be easier to get the much needed support. Mrs Tanvir mentioned how the minister's "support was enormous. We had no idea how our team would be rated in the international arena, but we were determined to participate as this is the face of Pakistan that we are resolved to show the world." That the students did the nation proud by winning 12 medals in all, was a bolt out of the blue and it shocked the accompanying entourage. Jouranlist Najam Sethi also speaking at the event said this was a "great occasion and we are a proud nation. The amazing performance needs to be highlighted." He said "I am ashamed to say I was ignorant of what our children are doing. This has been an eye opener. We need to provide all support to such institutions as this is the face of Pakistan that the world needs to see. It is the Soft Image of Pakistan that we need to project." Khalil Ahmad Khan, the Chairman and Executive President of the Asian JuJitsu Belt Wresting Federation, who has worked tirelessly in promoting this sport, made several interesting announcements. He said Mian Imran Massod had managed to get the committee to award that in 2007 Pakistan will play host to the Second JuJitsu Belt Wrestling Championship. Some 840 participants will be coming for the event. And that Pakistan will play host again in 2010. There are several events that are to take place, In 2007 the Afro Asian Championship is taking place in Mauritius and that Pakistan is to represent Asia in this event. He mentioned that the World Games, held every four years, are to be held in 2009 in Taiwan and hopefully Pakistan will be at that event too. Khalil said his reason for encouraging women's participation was to give women the opportunity to participate internationally. "This helps girls develop self confidence. It gives them exposure to children of other countries and visa versa. This has also benefited parents and encouraged them to send their girls away for competitive meets, hopefully other parents will feel less inhibited in following suit." What comes as an additional feather in the nation's cap is that referee Erum Shahzadi has been selected on the international panel in this capacity and discharged her duty at the games in Almaty. The students who participated in Almaty then gave an exciting demonstration of their talents for the benefit of the eminent guests present as well as for their parents, who were later presented bouquets by the Minister.
Right-out Rehan Butt: Pakistan hockey's captain number 37 And without looking towards the goal, Rehan scored with a backhander that stunned the Aussie net minder By Dr Ijaz Ahmed Model Town is one of the older colonies of modern Lahore.
It came into existence in 1936. For many, it is still the best place to live.
It is a very open and green area. In addition, it possesses excellent sports
facilities. Every block of the society has proper hockey, cricket and
football grounds. No wonder, Model Town has been a source of quality
sportsmen for the nation. The finest among them is legendary cricketer Wasim Akram. The latest international cricketer to emerge is the glovesman Kamran Akmal. While in hockey, Model Town can really take pride in providing Pakistan's latest captain, Rehan Butt, who skippered the national side for the first time in the 2006 Asian Games. In the opinion of many of the old connoisseurs, the right-out is the only forward in the current national squad comparable to the former greats of Pakistan hockey. A regular since his debut in 2002, the 25 years old personifies the ideal modern day forward. He has speed, penetration, passing, positioning sense and ability to score from any angle with every possible stroke: hit, push, flick, reverse sweep etc (epitomised by his 61 goals which is quite amazing for a winger). In fact, it is his uncanny knack of scoring goals against formidable opponents in crucial stages of vital games that really distinguishes him. He has demonstrated this astonishing ability many a time especially against Pakistan's traditional rivals, India. In his very first international tournament in Cologne, the Champions trophy of 2002, in the bronze medal playñoff, Pakistan was trailing 2-3 with just five minutes to go. It speaks volumes for the temperament of the youngster that Rehan netted a brace in those dying moments to snatch the victory from clutches of defeat. This feat catapulted him to star status from a virtual obscurity in his country. Since then there has been no looking back. In the very next Champions Trophy in 2003, Rehan did almost an encore. Again it was a third position game against India. Pakistan were again 2-3 down. This time Sohail Abbas equalised via a penalty corner. And with two minutes to go, Rehan diverted a diagonal cross from the left wing into the net with a fantastic effort. Once again, enabling his side to grab the bronze medal. Perhaps the most valuable goal that so far Rehan has scored in his international career was the one scored in the final of Rabo cup of 2005. Dubbed as the Mini World Cup, Pakistan confronted the Olympic champions Australia in the final. In the second half, when Pak was trailing 2-3, Rehan received a ball at the centre forward position with his back towards the goal. And without looking towards the goal, Rehan scored with a backhander that stunned the Aussie net minder. Buoyed by their third equaliszer in the game, the green shirts went on to win the final 4-3. Many people regard lifting of the Rabo Cup as Pakistan hockey's greatest success since 1994. In the world cup this year, Pak failed to climb the podium but Rehan's goal against New Zealand was rated as one of the best goals of the tourney. He alone ran half the length of the pitch stepping aside a number of defenders to score with his favourite reverse shot. A live wire in the field, Rehan normally displays a quiet demeanour off it. He gives credit to his mentor Javed Zia who has been a great influence on him right from his early days at Noble Hockey Club in Model Town. Rehan studied in the famous Government college of Lahore which has been alma mater of many hockey stalwarts. In fact Rehan is the 11th Ravian (as the students of Government college are called) to captain the national team. A list which includes names of legends like A I S Dara, M H Atif, Muneer Dar, Akhtar Rasool and Manzoorul Hassan among others. He is an officer in Pakistan WAPDA and plays for them on the national circuit. He played a stellar role in enabling WAPDA win two consecutive national championships in 2004 and 2005. His brother Rizwan Butt is also a member of WAPDA hockey side. A forward like his brother, Rizwan has attended the national camp. Though he has had lucrative offers from European clubs, due to commitments with Pakistan's national team he has so far refused those. However Rehan has figured in the Premier Hockey League of India as an overseas professional. Some interesting facts about Pakistan's hockey captains: The Only father and son to captain Pakistan: Dr Ghulam Rasool Chaudhry and Akhtar Rasool. Brothers to captain Pakistan: 1 Abdul Hameed Hameedi and Abdul Rasheed jr. 2 Samiullah and Kaleemullah. 3 Manzoorul Hassan and Rasheedul Hassan. Abdul Hameed Hamidi (1956 and 1960 0lympics) and Abdul Rasheed jr (1976 0lympics) are the only two brothers to captain Pakistan in the Olympics. Hameedi also has the distinction to be captain of Pakistan in two separate Olympics. Two players have captained Pakistan in two World Cups each: 1 Khalid Mahmood led Pakistan in the first (1971) and second (1973) World Cup. 2 Islahuddin led Pakistan in the third (1975) and fourth (1978) World Cup. Shahbaz Ahmad led Pakistan in as many as six Champions Trophy editions from 1990 to 1995. No other player led Pakistan on more than two occassions in this particular tournament. Shahbaz Ahmad also has the honour of being the only Pakistani to captain his country in the junior (1989) as well as the senior World Cup (1994). Pakistan's six captains who have expired are 1 A I S Dara captain in 1948 died in 1981. 2 Dr Ghulam Rasool Chaudhry, captain in 1963, died in 1992. 3 Munawwaruz Zaman, captain in 1980, died in 1994. 4 Qazi Mohib, captain in 1989-90, died in 1996. 5 Niaz Khan, captain in 1952, died in 2001. 6 Hameedullah Burki, captain in 1950, died in 2003. The Pakistan team which had the highest number of players to captain Pakistan at that time or later was the one that won the 1979 Esanda hockey tournament in Australian city of Perth. Apart from goalkeeper Saleem Sherwani, the captain in the above mentioned tournament itself, that team had as many as nine other players who went on to lead Pakistan. They were right full back Manzoorul Hassan, left fullback Munawwaruz Zaman, right half Rasheedul Hassan, centre half Akhtar Rasool, right out Kaleemullah, right in Manzoor Hussain jr., centre forward Hasan Sardar, left in Hanif khan and left out Samiullah. The odd man out of the first choice eleven of that team never destined to lead Pakistan was left half Shafiq. The longest tenure of a Pakistan captain: Brig Abdul Hameed Hameedi (1954-1960). On figures alone, Munawwaruz Zaman was Pakistan's most successful captain. He captained Pakistan in 26 matches with the side winning all of them without drawing or losing a single one. However under Islahuddin in 1978, Pakistan won three major tournaments in a row -- the fourth World Cup, The Asian Games and the first Champions Trophy. But the man who is generally regarded as the greatest hockey skipper of Pakistan is Brig Abdul Hameed Hameedi. Hameedi was a member of Pakistan's first two Olympic hockey teams of 1948 and 1952. Pakistan could secure only fourth position both times. The Pakistan teams of that era had great stars among their ranks. But team spirit, discipline and unity of purpose were lacking. Hamidi was handed over the captaincy in 1954. He transformed the side into a coherent, disciplined, motivated and super fit unit. The first success which was achieved under Hameedi was a silver medal in the 1956 Olympics which was Pakistan's first ever Olympic medal in any sport, and in the final they lost to India by a controversial goal. After that in the 1958 Asian Games, Pakistan won the gold medal pushing India to second position. It was the first time that India could not win an international hockey tournament. And finally under the able command of Hameedi, Pakistan won its first ever Olympic gold in any sport by defeating India in the final at Rome. Thus ended India's domination of Olympic hockey which had started from 1928. During all this time, Hamidi was not only the captain of the team but also the de facto coach as well as the chief selector of the side. Dr Ijaz Ahmed is a freelance hockey writer ijaz62@hotmail.com Elite Panel umpire Aleem Dar on his way to glory Khizer Hayat consumed some 18 years from 1979-80 to 1996-97 to reach the 34 Tests mark whereas Aleem took just three years to overtake Khizer's record By Ghalib Mehmood Bajwa Pakistan's ICC Elite Panel umpire Aleem Dar continued his
journey towards glory when he took the field to supervise the third Test
between England and Australia at Perth on December 14. The Perth Test was
Dar's 35th game in the middle and in this way he became Pakistan's leading
Test umpire eclipsing Khizar Hayat's 34 games. In the next couple of months,
it is expected that Aleem Dar would overtake Zimbabwe's Russell Tiffin (38
Tests) and Steve Dunne (39) of New Zealand as far as the number of Tests is
concerned. Dar, who officiated the final of the recently played ICC Champions Trophy, the second biggest cricketing event after the World Cup, also already had 75 One-day Internationals in his kitty. Dar has bagged these distinctions in a short span of three years. It is to be noted here that Khizer Hayat consumed some 18 years from 1979-80 to 1996-97 to reach the 34 Tests mark whereas Aleem took just three years to overtake Khizer's record which shows the vitality of Aleem Dar and the excess of cricket these days as well. Three years is not a long period and if someone earns a spot among the leading people of his respective field in such a short span, it means he has some extraordinary potential. Dar enjoys the same distinctive status in the international cricketing circles. Dar, who began his Test umpiring career with an England-Bangladesh match at Dhaka in the 2003-04 season, is now being considered as a leading umpire along with Australian Simon Taufel. It was Dar's impressive umpiring due to which he was nominated for the 'Best Umpire of the Year' Award in 2005. Dar, who started his umpiring career in One-day Internationals in 1999-00 with a match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Gujranwala, broke Khizer Hayat's Pakistan record of 55 ODIs last year. The recent Faisalabad ODI between West Indies and hosts Pakistan was his last ODI so far. Dar, one of the busiest Elite Panel umpires, is expected to complete his century of ODI matches in the next couple of years. The previous holder of Pakistan record Khizer Hayat, while praising Aleem Dar's professional skills, said: "I'm happy that the world's best umpire broke my record. "Pakistan has plenty of talent in the umpiring department and that's why we are enjoying maximum participation (five umpires) in the ICC panel at the moment," he informed. Khizer, who looks after the umpiring and referees' affairs in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), predicted that Pakistani umpires would go a long way and win many distinctions for the motherland. The writer is a staff member at 'The News' Lahore ghalibmbajwa@yahoo.com LEADING TEST UMPIRES FROM EACH NATION Tests Umpires (Country) Career duration 115 S A Bucknor (WI) 1988-89 to 2006-07 92 D R Shepherd (Eng) 1985 to 2005 79 R E Koertzen (SA) 1992-93 to 2006-07 76 D B Hair (Aus) 1991-92 to 2006 73 S Venkataraghavan (Ind) 1992-93 to 2003-04 39 R S Dunne (NZ) 1988/89 to 2001-02 38 R B Tiffin (Zim) 1995-96 to 2003-04 35 Aleem Dar (Pak) 2003-04 to 2006-07 33 E A R de Silva (SL) 2000 to 2006-07 LEADING ODI UMPIRES FROM EACH NATION ODIs Umpires (Country) Career duration 172 D R Shepherd (Eng) 1983 to 2005 158 R E Koertzen (SA) 1992-93 to 2006-07 151 S A Bucknor (WI) 1988-89 to 2006-07 127 D J Harper (Aus) 1993-94 to 2006-07 100 R S Dunne (NZ) 1988-89 to 2001-02 90 I D Robinson (Zim) 1991-92 to 2004 75 Aleem Dar (Pak) 1999-00 to 2006-07 61 E A R de Silva (SL) 1999 to 2006 52 S Venkataraghavan (Ind) 1992-93 to 2003-04 Note: Four Bangladeshi umpires A F M Akhtaruddin (2 Tests, 16 ODIs), Nadir Shah (7 ODIs), Mahbubur Rahman (17 ODIs, 1 Test) and Ziaul Islam (6 ODIs) have had very little exposure at the international level. And the matches as TV umpire are not included in the given tables.
Pakistan cricket: Just a matter of national interest! Domestic teams are routinely crushed beneath the stampede of local interests, the perceived priority of providing international cricketers things of their interest; we call it a player-power By Dr Nauman Niaz Of all the many changes sweeping through the game of
cricket worldwide, none has been more fundamental than the concentration of
resources on national teams, if necessary at the expense of domestic
competition. In sport, as an industry, barriers have come down and untapped
opportunities are presenting themselves within an international market. Most
cricketing nations have recognised this. Only Pakistan lags behind. In Australia, possessors of incontestably the strongest national cricket team, and in South Africa, a revelation both on and off the field since their re-admittance to Tests in 1991, the leading players are identified, embraced and encouraged through channels that will benefit their country above all else. As far as South Africa is concerned, despite recent problems like the one of quota system that saw Kevin Pietersen defecting to England, there is no argument that cricket is being administered highly professionally. There is no contention that the players are contracted and salaried by their national boards and employed primarily to play international cricket. Most of these top players represent their state or regional sides unlike in Pakistan where whatever domestic matches they can accommodate outside the given parameters are incidental and discretionary (though now Dr Nasim Ashraf has tried to the change the trend). In England there is a bigger dilemma such as the overworked English professionals get exhausted by the time they turn out for their country's team. If Australian or South African is carrying a minor injury during a Test series, or if he is thought simply to be in need of a break, he will be instructed by the selectors to rest between major games. It is common sense, a question of looking after the players who will make the country successful. Yet if a Pakistani is in a similar position, one he'll not be rehabilitated since the board hasnít been able to put in place specialists and qualified rehabilitationists and two, he will still be expected to resume the crazy, treadmill of international cricket as quickly as possible for couple of reasons. There is no bench strength therefore little options for the selectors and also the player himself is not too keen to take a long leave of absence unsure of his place. There are no systems making the environment pregnant with uncertainty. It is no longer good enough to explain away this anomaly on the pretext that Pakistan sustains full time 'professional' employees and huge coffers to celebrate, nor to be apathic of it in any arrogant or insular way. Naturally, nobody with the beauties of the game at heart remains unmoved by the state of cricket in Pakistan, or unwilling to go to great lengths to support its upkeep, but only the blind romantics can now fail to divine that, in Pakistan, the cart is being put before the thoroughbreds who should be pulling it. The Pakistan team, and particularly successive captains and managers thereof, have been labouring under a handicap of what might kindly be thought of as apathy in high places but in some cases has transmitted itself as resentment. Small wonder, then, that the last ten years have seen Pakistan slip ever further from their once accustomed pre-eminence, spawning annual breast beating about the state of Pakistan game, quickly replaced by mere hot air once it comes before the decision makers at Lahore. By 2002-03, the periodical and notional tables of Test cricket told a sorry a tale of decline. Pakistan could no longer count upon India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand whose teams were traditionally ground underfoot, to languish beneath them. By some estimates, indeed, only the Johnny-come-latelys Zimbabwe and Bangladesh and to some extent West Indies (in complete shambles) could confidently be ranked below Pakistan-and there was increasing reason to be unsure of at least one of these. The Pakistan system was devised for a different age, a different game. It was desirable while there was only two domestic competitions and a sensible ration of Test cricket, it remained serviceable for as long as it took opposing nations to catch up, in playing terms, and overtake Pakistan in organisation and outlook. Nowadays, it is thoroughly untenable, perpetuated by those who confuse their responsibilities to individuals with their position of power within the game as a whole. Only in Pakistan can progress by blocked by vested local interests, by men who came to meetings of the PCB filled with the indignation of parish members utterly unaware of what was taking place beyond their boundaries. Their equivalents in Australia and South Africa laugh at the destructive parochialism of it all, and rightly so, for it did a grave disservice to the players who should have produced the results and did much to stifle, rather than nurture, the available talent. Around the world, too much cricket is being played. Too much international cricket, that is. But only in Pakistan is this augmented by unplanned domestic cricket in which there are so many concessions to the best. There is a reason for this of course. It is called the unavailability of systems. The failing system that the domestic teams are routinely crushed beneath the stampede of local interests, the perceived priority of providing international cricketers things of their interest; we call it a player-power. This should not be misinterpreted: the vast majority of delegates to the board acted inoffensively, even unwittingly. They were not against the Pakistan team; many of them didn't spend their own money travelling overseas to support them each winter. They believed they were doing their best within their given mandates. But those mandates came, initially, from their individual interests, driven by the short-term, narrow and often petty wishes. If a proposal arose which could plainly benefit the wellbeing-and consequently, who knew, the performance-of the national team, it would receive automatic rejection if it was deemed to threaten the cozy routines and expectations of these members. Too harsh? One thinks not. The PCB under Shaharyar Khan failed to continue the good work and pace set by Lieutenant General Tauqir Zia. We have failed to nurture adequate bench strength. There has been complete dearth of long term, viable programmes. Quality clubs, school, college and university cricket has become extinct and the domestic cricket has suffered due to apathy of sport's governing body in the country. We have lost the direction. Sports in Pakistan have virtually slipped to an all time low. Pakistan's inability to win a single gold medallion in the Asian Games at Doha and their hockey team losing to China is a point of great concern. Our cricket supported by extremely talented world class performers Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf is also standing on an edge. Here then, is the background to Pakistan's undignified decline in the Test nations' pecking order. It does not fully explain the poor results of recent years, of course, but it goes a considerable distance towards doing so. After Pakistan were beaten by India in the World Cup 2003, their problems were well qualified to know -- Javed Miandad. Once the team looked settling down apart from the in-house problems regarding the players v Miandad issues, the PCB led by Shaharyar Khan brought Bob Woolmer, an ex-England Test player and an influential coach in county cricket. Woolmer came to Pakistan and believed that there was talent aplenty in Pakistan. He thought it was more to do how the players were handled and looked after, how they could better be encouraged into a positive approach. It was a coded expression of scorn for Pakistan's backward ways of dealing the protection and promotion of their most precious assets. The players despite being looked after financially still occasionally glanced with envy at the treatment of their counterparts abroad without realising they were not as committed as they needed to. Pakistan players are extremely talented. They have in them the capacity to stir bigger teams like Australia and South Africa but what they lack is self-belief. What they need to do is to redefine their priorities and develop instincts of nationalism. They way Australians play for the prestige of the baggy green, they need to emulate them. After religion and faith, nationalism is what gives one the direction to become an incessant achiever -- that's what is required on the players' part and on the administrative side, what we need to do is to make institutions. Institutions are not made without sacrifices. We need to keep pace with the modernisation, development and essentially require generating high-quality human resource. We are terribly short of time. Dr Nasim has for once stirred the ambience with his hard-nosed up right decisions. He has taken firm but much needed decisions, giving hope to the people that our cricket may well be put on the track. Old bureaucratic cricket governments had done things haphazardly, mostly to make their stay(s) comfortable. This time, it seems the man means business. Let's hope that he is able to add sustainability to his early promise. He is required to keep taking radical decisions. His prescriptions haven't been handy but he looks set to treat our cricket's longstanding ailments. He doesn't need to raise his head above the parapets of self-preservation. He shouldn't worry about the jealous reactionaries. He has to move on; let him be a revolutionary. The writer†is a Member of the Royal College of Physicians (UK), official historian of Pakistan cricket, former assistant manager/cricket analyst of the Pakistan team, former media manager/cricket analyst of the PCB, ex-Manager Coordination of the ACC and former selector of the now defunct PCA
Shaun Pollock first South African in 400-wicket club Father Peter represented South Africa in the 1960s as a pace bowler while his uncle Graeme, an exciting left-handed batsman, possesses the second-highest Test batting average in history By Khurram Mahmood Last week India shocked South Africa as they won the first
Test comprehensively by 123 runs at The Wanderers in Johannesburg. Obviously
it was not a memorable Test for the home side, but all-rounder Shaun Pollock
made this match unforgettable by taking his 400th Test wicket. Pollock reached this landmark on the second day of the first Test against India when Rahul Dravid edged his delivery to wicket-keeper Mark Boucher. Shaun Pollock became the first South African and only the tenth bowler in Test history to take 400 Test wickets. With Pollock, South Africa also reached another milestone when they were bowled out for just 84 runs in the first innings of the first Test. It was the Proteas' lowest Test total since making their comeback to international cricket in April 1992. Shaun Maclean Pollock made his Test debut against England in November 1995 at the Centurion Park. Due to rain only two days play was possible in which England declared after scoring 381 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Pollock took three major wickets for 98 runs in 29 overs. But he truly made his full form known in the fifth Test in Cape Town, taking 5-87 as South Africa won by 10 wickets to secure a one-nil series triumph. After that he became a regular member of the South African team and played a vital role for his team's success. Pollock and Allan Donald's did take the maximum responsibility of the South African attack till Donald's retirement in 2002. Pollock is a match winning bowler on his day, his average is nearly four wickets per Test. His 100th wicket was Courtney Walsh, the 200th was Nuwan Zoysa, the 300th Michael Vaughan and the 400th Rahul Dravid. Michael Vaughan and Rahul Dravid are among the batsmen whose wickets Pollock has snared the most times. While West Indian opener Chris Gayle and Australian wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist have always bothered Pollock. Gayle has fallen to Pollock just once while Gilchrist has not been dismissed by him even once. Pollock's career bowling average is 23.19. He is able to move the ball both ways at a lively pace but Pollock is more dangerous for the right hand batsmen due to his outswing bowling while against left-handers he is not much impressive as his average goes over 40 against the left-handers. Shaun Pollock also led the South African side after the Proteas' most successful captain Hansie Cronje had to be out of the game after his involvement in the match fixing scandal. It was a difficult time to lead a shocked and demoralised South African team and as expected World Champions Australia whitewashed the home side by 3-0 in 2001-02. But the most horrible time for Pollock came in World Cup 2003 when the host side failed to qualify for the last six. As a result, Pollock was immediately removed from the captaincy and Graeme Smith took over as the new skipper. Shaun Pollock is one of the key players in the South African team, and undoubtedly one of the top all-rounders in cricket today. His presence on the field enhances the morale of his side and followers of the game. Apart from being a fine bowler Shaun Pollock is also a dependable batsman in the lower order. He took some time to score his fist Test century though and it was against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park in 2001. In the very next series against West Indies he improved his batting skill and managed a 75.50 average including a century in the third Test. Pollock is the fourth all-rounder in Test history after Richard Hadlee of New Zealand, Imran Khan of Pakistan, Ian Botham of England and Kapil Dev of India who have reached the remarkable milestone of 3,000 Test runs and 300 Test wickets. Cricket is a family game for Shaun Pollock as his father Peter represented South Africa in the 1960s as a pace bowler while his uncle Graeme, an exciting left-handed batsman, possesses the second-highest Test batting average in history. He was also declared Wisden Player of the Year in 2002. SHAUN POLLOCK'S TEST CAREER BOWLING Record Mat O R W BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 5 10 overall 103 3895.5 9325 402 7-87 10-147 23.19 2.39 58.1 16 1 v Australia 13 538.4 1474 40 7-87 9-148 36.85 2.73 80.8 1 0 v Bangladesh 3 62 139 9 2-12 4-42 15.44 2.24 41.3 0 0 v England 23 953.1 2160 91 6-39 8-80 23.73 2.26 62.8 3 0 v India 10 383.4 885 46 6-56 10-147 19.23 2.30 50.0 2 1 v New Zealand 11 407 943 43 5-33 7-87 21.93 2.31 56.7 1 0 v Pakistan 10 327.3 774 37 6-50 8-105 20.91 2.36 53.1 3 0 v Sri Lanka 13 413.3 1072 48 6-30 7-59 22.33 2.59 51.6 1 0 v West Indies 15 640.5 1522 65 5-28 9-94 23.41 2.37 59.1 4 0 v Zimbabwe 5 169.3 356 23 5-39 7-55 15.47 2.10 44.2 1 0 Home 54 1895.5 4547 216 6-30 10-147 21.05 2.39 52.6 9 1 Away 49 2000 4778 186 7-87 9-94 25.68 2.38 64.5 7 0 TEST CRICKET'S LEADING WICKET-TAKERS Name Team Mat W Ave Best S K Warne Aus 143 699 25.49 8-71 M Muralitharan SL 110 674 21.73 9-51 G D McGrath Aus 122 555 21.65 8-24 A Kumble Ind 111 538 28.59 10-74 C A Walsh WI 132 519 24.44 7-37 N Kapil Dev Ind 131 434 29.64 9-83 R J Hadlee NZ 86 431 22.29 9-52 Wasim Akram Pak 104 414 23.62 7-119 C E L Ambrose WI 98 405 20.99 8-45 S M Pollock RSA 103 402 23.19 7-87 Full Name: Shaun Maclean Pollock Born: 16 July 1973, Port Elizabeth, Cape Province Major Teams: KwaZulu-Natal, Natal, Warwickshire, South Africa
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