Murali on his mind, Pollock keeps big picture in sight

Pollock, who — in an effort to negotiate Murali — has invited a pack of schoolboy off-spinners to the nets, is quite keen to talk about his country’s biggest sporting event. He starts with the facilities but stops for a while when asked about the pressure on the hosts.

‘‘There is a negative and positive side about playing at home. High expectations bring pressure but the home support is a huge help. So our task is to concentrate on the positives’’, he says.

Aware of the jinx on world cup hosts — the tournament has never been won by the country hosting it — he adds, ‘‘Someone has to break that record and we will to turn it round, the only thing is the players have to be prepared.’’

So are they prepared? The South African skippers says that the two series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan before the Cup will benefit them greatly. ‘‘Sri Lanka are ranked third in the world in ODIs while Pakistan can beat any team on a given day, so these matches will come handy’’, he says.

He’s bullish about his team’s prospects, and believes his experienced bowling attack will play a large role. The optimism is evident when he names South Africa first when asked to predict the semi-finalists. ‘‘South Africa, Australia, England, Pakistan and India. Depending on the form book and how it runs, four of them can make it.’’ Dark horses? New Zealand. ‘‘With Chris Cairns returning they will be a difficult side to beat. They spring a few surprises. You never know they can do the job’’, he adds.

On the types of wickets used he says, ‘‘The usual South African brand. True bounce and batting wickets.’’ So do the Indians spinners need to take the trip? ‘‘Of course, Harbhajan bowled well at Centurion and the Indians played well when they were here.’’

While the Test is the immediate task at hand, everything here seems focused on the bigger event. It’s evident in the smell of fresh paint, newly laid plants timed to bloom in February-March, and construction work under progress.

Entering the stadium, one sees a group of security volunteers being briefed by a stern looking official. The guard at the gate, when asked where the South African players were, points to the nets but also adds no pictures, please, ‘‘You know this the venue of the World Cup final.’’

You’re never allowed to forget.