Date:25/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/25/stories/2006122506141700.htm

Sport - Cricket

A huge effort required: Pollock

Special Correspondent

Durban : Senior all-rounder Shaun Pollock called for a "huge effort" from the South Africans at Kingsmead. "It is a very important Test for us. We have to turn things around," he said.

Local hero Pollock conceded that the defeat at the Wanderers had been a "severe blow to the South African pride." He added, "We are keen to set the record straight. Knocked out for 84 is not an everyday occurrence in South African cricket. We believe we can win the second Test and then travel to Cape Town for the decider."

Traditionally, the surface at Kingsmead has had pace and bounce and the conditions encourage movement.

Despite the doubters, Pollock felt the South African pace attack had plenty of variety. "If you look at us, all of us are different. Perhaps, the only thing we lack is a spin bowler."

He acknowledged, though, that the South Africans had to bowl in the right areas.

Defending Ntini

Pollock defended his pace partner Makhaya Ntini's display at the Wanderers saying, "anybody can have an ordinary game."

The South African had words of appreciation for S. Sreesanth. "The ball comes out nicely from his hand. The seam is upright."

He, however, considered Javagal Srinath as the best Indian paceman he had seen. "He not only bowled well on the seamer-friendly pitches here, but won matches for India at home. That takes a lot of doing."