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The pressure is on us: Pollock

By G. Viswanath

Durban Nov. 6. Shaun Pollock is confident his team will prosper in the forthcoming World Cup. He said it will be his first and last World Cup at home and that his team will be prepared for the big event and also that it will be a task for the other teams to be beat his side.

After the first practice session at The Wanderers nets at Johannesburg on Wednesday afternoon, Pollock said: ``we are the host country and there will be big pressure on us. There's no doubt about it. But we have just got to manage it well. One can think of it (pressure) as positives and negatives. The negatives are that the home supporters will always expect us to do well. The positives are that the home crowd will support and will be behind the team all the time. So we gave got to concentrate and take the positives.''

Pollock is aware that no host nation has won the World Cup.

``I know it's never been done before. But one has to break that record at some stage. It's upon us to turn it around and win the World Cup as the host nation. We know the conditions and play well under these conditions very well. It will be difficult to beat us. We have to make sure that we are well prepared for the event.''

The South Africans wiped out the Bangladeshis in the home series and will be taking on two more strong rivals in Sri Lanka and Pakistan before the World Cup, but Pollock dispelled fears that his team would have played too much cricket and not be fresh for the big event.

``No, it's fine. We are playing the last match against Pakistan on January 6. After which we will have one month before we play the first Cup match. We need rest for three weeks before we come back for it. I am sure our team will be fine.''

To another question that if playing a strong Pakistan will turn out to be an ideal preparation he said: ``Well, Sri Lanka is ranked third in one-dayers. Yes, Pakistan made the final the last time in 1999. On their day they can beat any side.''

Pollock's semi-finalists

Pollock picked five teams that could make the semi-finals.

``It's difficult to predict. Form will be very important. I would pick South Africa, Australia, England and India. Four among these can make the semi-finals.

Australia without the Waughs has moved a lot. They are a good side and are playing well. India has played well in South African conditions and it will be a difficult side to beat. But it all depends on the formbook and how it runs. It will be interesting. There will be dark horses. New Zealand can spring a surprise. They did well against Australia not long ago. You never know. New Zealand can do the job, especially with Chris Cairns coming back.

Talking about his team's bowling attack he said: ``Allan Donald will be there for us. South Africa will have an experienced attack. We will have guys who have been there for quite a while. We have to give him (Monde Zondeki) an opportunity. He is still young. There is lot of cricket to be played before the World Cup. We have to give him a chance and see how he plays. These are exciting times for South African cricket. There is talent and young players are knocking on the doors.''

The South African captain also made it a point to mention about other highlights of the World Cup. ``The facilities are going to be awesome and it's going to be a great occasion for South Africa. The people will vibe well and enjoy. There will be thousands of overseas fans that will enjoy the facilities provided to them during the World Cup.

Cricket-wise there will be hard and good wickets for batting. That's the general impression of a South African wicket, with the ball coming on nicely. That's the type of wicket teams will get to play on during the Cup.''

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