Mohammad Kaif, playing only his second county match, smashed an 85-ball 81 to anchor Derbyshire to a 137-run victory over fancied Surrey at Derby last evening. Playing an innings of sublime placement, 22-year-old Kaif stole the show and the man-of-the-match award as he put Derbyshire on course for a winning total of 271 in 50 overs. In reply, Surrey were shot out for 134 in 33.4 overs. On a sluggish pitch Kaif reached his 50 in 68 balls, then accelerated in style against a wayward Surrey attack missing the injured Martin Bicknessl and Alex Tudor. His seven boundaries were beautifully executed, especially the drives through extra cover. Praising Kaif’s brilliant knock, The Times today said “Kaif is a shrewd acquisition, both because of his class and character and because, at 22, he is just the age to give the maximum for a county side. “He played yesterday much as Rahul Dravid, his mentor, might have done: wristy, elegant, technically orthodox and always beautifully balanced.” Pollock wants Zulu back Durban: Former South African skipper Shaun Pollock today joined the debate about the controversial omission of Lance Klusener hoping the all-rounder will return to play for his country again. “I hope that he will return to play for his country again,” Pollock was quoted as saying by the Cape Argus newspaper today. Pollock said he was convinced Klusener “still had a lot to offer to South African cricket”. “Lance has always performed at his best when we’ve had our backs to the wall. I hope his present situation will bring the best out of him and that he will return to play for his country again. He is a match-winner, and I believe he has a lot left in his armoury,” Pollock said. Pollock’s words contradicts that of new captain Graeme Smith, who said that Klusener was “disruptive” and could “only cause hassles”. Klusener was controversially left out of the South African team that leaves on Sunday for a tour of England for a series of one-day internationals. South Africa’s last visit to England was for the 1999 World Cup when Klusener emerged as one of the best hitters in the game and won the player of the tournament award. “It was because of him that we got to the semifinals,” said Bob Woolmer, who then coached the team. The debate regarding Klusener’s omission was back on burner following the new skipper’s criticism two weeks back. Woolmer entered the fray, accusing Smith of having the “temerity” to criticise Klusener. But despite his difference of opinion with Smith, Pollock promised his support to Smith. “Graeme’s got to try and do things his own way, particularly at the start of his captaincy, so he needs plenty of room. But I will offer help where it’s needed,” he said. Meanwhile, Boeta Dippenaar will replace Neil McKenzie in South Africa’s one-day team. McKenzie withdrew with a back injury. Dippenaar was originally selected only for the Test team. Dippenaar and McKenzie will remain part of the Test team.
