A better surface is needed for World Cup final, says Pollock
Charlie Austin - 27 November 2002
South Africa skipper Shaun Pollock admitted that the pitch used for the opening one-day international against Sri Lanka was too heavily loaded in favour of seam bowlers.
Sri Lanka capitulated during the morning after losing the toss and were bowled out for just 128 in 46.4 overs, raising concerns over the suitability of the pitch for the World Cup final to be staged in exactly three months' time.
"Going into the game the wicket looked grassy and clearly had some moisture in it," said Pollock afterwards. "We were always going to bowl first."
"After the first over we knew there was something in it and that opportunities were always going to come our way," he said.
"That would not be a good wicket for the World Cup which needs to be a spectacle – we would want a better surface."
Nevertheless, Pollock was delighted with the performance of his bowlers,
especially with the new ball as they reduced Sri Lank to 30 for five in the 14th over.
"We stuck to our task and got the ball in the right areas," he said. "We had discussed what lines to bowl to their batsmen and stuck to that, bowling only two half volleys in our opening bursts."
A only negative for the home side was the performance was the fact that four
wickets fell for 56 runs.
"That was disappointing," said Pollock. "When you are chasing a total like that you want to dominate – we need to improve on that."
The Sri Lankans were reluctant to criticise the surface directly.
"During the first hour and a half it was not easy at all," said captain Sanath Jayasuriya. "The ball was doing a lot."
"However, they did bowl well and we lost too many wickets in the first 15 overs. You cannot afford to do that."
Coach Dav Whatmore hopes the side can re-group in time for Friday's match at
Centurion.
"After the first Test at Wanderers we picked ourselves up for the second Test on a different surface," said Whatmore. "We know that we are better than this."
South Africa expect Jonty Rhodes to have recovered from his hamstring injury in time for that game. Physio Shane Jabbar said he had responded well to treatment and will have a fitness tomorrow.
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