Durban, Jan 22 (PTI) The much-criticized slow and turning pitches in the ongoing SA20 tournament could actually serve as a significant advantage for players preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup, according to South African cricket legend Shaun Pollock. The former all-rounder believes the challenging conditions are ideal preparation for the global event, which begins on February 7 and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Slow Surfaces as Strategic Preparation
Shaun Pollock, who serves as the assistant coach for the Pretoria Capitals, offered his candid assessment in a conversation with select Indian journalists. "To be brutally honest, some of the surfaces at the back end of this tournament have been good preparation for the guys heading to the World Cup, because the ball has been stopping, they've been spinning," Pollock stated.
He contrasted the current pitch behavior with historical norms in South Africa. "In my day, we were very accustomed to fast, quick pitches where the ball came on nicely, but we've seen quite a bit of spin being effective," he added, highlighting a shift that aligns with expected conditions in the subcontinent.
Performance Trends in SA20's Second Half
The evidence supporting Pollock's view is clear in the tournament's statistics. During the latter stages of the SA20 season, scoring has become notably more difficult. MI Cape Town stands as the sole team to have surpassed the 200-run mark in this phase, with batsmen across the board struggling to execute their power-hitting game plans consistently.
"So, for the players that are playing, I know there's a few niggles going around, and guys getting injured at the back end here for South Africa, but I think the guys who are playing on these pitches, it probably helps them prepare," Pollock reasoned, acknowledging the physical toll but emphasizing the tactical benefit.
No Concerns for 2027 ODI World Cup
Looking further ahead, Pollock expressed no apprehension regarding pitch preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which South Africa will co-host with Zimbabwe and Namibia. "Your pitches will be totally different at that stage. You've got more time to prepare them. I'm not concerned," he affirmed, suggesting the current SA20 conditions are a specific, short-term phenomenon rather than a long-term issue for South African cricket.
Pretoria Capitals' Path to the Final
Pollock's comments came following his team's impressive seven-wicket victory over the top-ranked Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the first qualifier, a win that secured the Pretoria Capitals a place in the SA20 final. Reflecting on the match, Pollock revealed a strategic twist of fate. "I think we were fortunate that we didn't win the toss. Because the guys wanted to bat first as well, I think it was a slow surface," he said.
He elaborated on the challenges posed by the pitch. "Obviously with that ball getting a little bit older, made it a little bit more difficult. But I think what impressed me the most is we were in a position where we were looking like they were going to post 200."
Key Performers and Team Character
The victory was built on standout performances, particularly from all-rounder Bryce Parsons. "Bryce Parsons took three wickets for 10 runs in three overs. He hasn't bowled much in the tournament, but he's had a bit of a golden arm, so we knew he had a chance. And his spell was brilliant," Pollock praised.
Parsons delivered a dream all-round performance, first with his magical bowling spell of 3/10 to restrict Sunrisers Eastern Cape to 170/7, and then by forming a crucial 91-run partnership with Dewald Brevis (75 off 38 balls) to guide the Capitals to victory. "He changed the course of the match. His spell was excellent, bowling the 19th over," Pollock added, also commending Sherfane Rutherford who stepped up despite limited bowling opportunities.
Pollock was particularly pleased with how the team rallied. "All the guys did a good job, so a lot of character to pull it back. And the batting hasn't been probably as strong as we would have liked it, particularly at the top of the order. And once again some of the guys stood up and Parsons put up that partnership at the top of the order to lay the good foundation."
Coaching Dynamics with Sourav Ganguly
On the topic of his coaching partnership with head coach and former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, Pollock shared a positive outlook. "Yeah, I mean, it's so enjoyable. We have a laugh, we have a cry, we have a share of emotions," he said.
He described their collaborative approach. "I think, you know, for us, it's nice to be working with a wonderful bunch of guys. We've tried to be as consistent as we can possibly be. We've tried to impart as much knowledge as we can. But we also understand now, we're over our 50s, and for us, it's about trying to help out."
Pollock emphasized the importance of trust in modern coaching. "But you've got to back your players, you've got to believe in your players, and you've got to trust them. That's probably the hardest part for us, knowing that we have to just leave it alone and see what they come up with. But we've enjoyed working with them. We've got a really good coaching unit," he concluded, reflecting on a successful campaign that has his team poised for the final.
