Pollock ends on a high
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Shaun Pollock reflected on a
"fantastic journey" after ending his Test career with five wickets
in the match as South Africa beat West Indies.
The 34-year-old, making his first appearance in the five-day side
for a year, claimed four wickets in the first innings and added
another in the second as the Proteas claimed an innings-and-100-run win in
the third and final Test in Durban.
It brought to an end the series, which
South Africa claimed 2-1, and also |
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Pollock's 421-wicket Test career, which began more than 12 years ago when he made his debut against England in November 1995.
"It's been a fantastic journey," Pollock, who will round off his
international career by completing the one-day series, said in comments
broadcast on Sky Sports.
"I have many great memories.
"For the guys to perform as well as they did (in the last Test) was
really special. It all ends on a really high note."
Pollock acknowledged the form of his rival bowlers, like Dale Steyn, who
took six second-innings wickets, had forced his hand.
"The time is right," he added. "I've had a good innings and played a lot
of good cricket, but there's a lot of talent around.
"When Steyn bowls like that, you don't need anyone else. There's so much
talent waiting in the wings and I think now is the right time."
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“Pollock would not be drawn on his future beyond the five
one-day international fixtures.
He said: "There's some one-day games coming up, but I don't
want to say too much for the time being."
Captain Graeme Smith, who hit 147 in the first innings, led
the tributes to Pollock. |
“He said: "For all of us there are fond memories
of Shaun. Losing Shaun is a big loss for us, but
we have wished him all the best and have some great memories.
"He deserves to be celebrated. He will go down
as one of the all-time greats and deserves to be
remembered."
Dwayne Bravo, standing in as West Indies captain
in the absence of Chris Gayle, was happy with
his side's display despite succumbing for 139 in the first innings.
The tourists were more competitive second time
around, mustering 317 in the absence of
middle-order anchor Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who was absent ill.
He said: "The guys came back and fought well.
It's a young team, a new coach, captain (John
Dyson) and staff so it's a positive sign.
"We were set back by injuries and key players,
and that cost us. We should be proud of
ourselves for the way we fought back. Congratulations to South Africa, the players and
the fans. They did really well."
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