Pollock forgives Ntini and makes peace with Jayawardene
Charlie Austin - 18 November 2002
South Africa skipper Shaun Pollock says he had forgiven Makhaya Ntini after the tailender left him stranded on 99 not out on the fourth morning at SuperSport Park on Monday.
Pollock looked set for his third Test century when Ntini aimed an ambitious
lofted straight drive to be caught at mid-off.
Pollock was the fourth batsman to suffer such a fate after England fast bowler Alex Tudor (1999), Geoff Boycott (1979-80) and Steve Waugh (1994-95).
"It was very disappointing to have missed out on a chance to score a Test
century, but you cant worry about it now," said Pollock. "I suppose he has got to be forgiven after he came back and bowled well today, taking two wickets."
Pollock had contributed to his fate by taking a first ball single and exposing Ntini to left-armer Chaminda Vaas.
"I didn't want him to play against Muralitharan and we discussed a gameplan
against Vaas who was only swinging the ball across the right-hander," he said.
Pollock also made peace with Sri Lankan batsman Mahela Jayawardene with whom he had an altercation after jokingly grabbing his helmet.
"I was just joking," he said. "I went over to pat him on the head and say he
was jammy after top-edging a hook.
"It was all in good spirit but he did not appreciate me touching him and that is fair enough. I chatted with him when we were waiting for the lights and explained that I was joking."
Although the final session had to be abandoned, Pollock is still hopeful that his side can force a win in the 105 overs available tomorrow.
"If we can strike early and break the partnership then we have a chance," he
said. "They have a long tail and we may be able to chase down a total in the
second innings."
But he didn't rule out the Sri Lankans either. "They are only 50 ahead and they will have score fast tomorrow morning and be inventive with their declaration. But you can't rule out anything in cricket."
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