Leading from the front

Not many had expected South Africa to bounce back into contention after the Hansie Cronje saga. But Shaun Pollock, who suddenly found himself at the helm, literally lead from the front with inspiring displays.

That South Africa has won 54 of the 84 matches he has led is an indicator to that effect. The jelly-limbed Pollock8217;s all-round abilities will be central to South Africa8217;s fortunes.

His economy, an impressive strike rate 44.2 per cent against the top-order batsmen and his effective batsmanship lower in the order are attributes that South Africa would need, if they are to wrench off the chokers tag.

Probably, Pollock8217;s biggest achievement been to rekindle the team spirit after that morale-shattering episode. The World Cup at home provides an ideal platform for Pollock to erase those bad memories by advertising his cricketing skills.