Greatest test XI of the modern era

#6 Shaun Pollock

Pollock was one among a handful of cricketers to achieve the double of 3000 runs and 300 wickets in tests

Shaun Pollock is one of modern cricket’s best all-rounders in both formats of the game and one of the most underrated cricketers of his time. Pollock never had lightning quick pace to terrify batsmen but tenaciously stuck to an unerring line and length throughout his career.

It was a formula that earned him rich rewards. His economy rate of just 3.67 in the ODIs and 2.39 in tests demonstrate how tough it was to score off the bowling of Pollock. Along with the fearsome Allan Donald, he formed a devastating pace bowling partnership for the Proteas.

With a tally of 421 wickets in 108 test matches, Pollock currently holds the record for the highest number of wickets for South Africa in test cricket, a record which will inevitably be eclipsed by Dale Steyn.

Pollock was a very impactful batsman lower down the order,too. When on song, he cleared the boundaries at will and scored runs at a brisk pace.

He maintained an average of 32 in tests and scored well in excess of 3000 runs. Overall, he was a useful all-rounder and superb bowler.

The presence of a top-notch pace bowling all-rounder like Pollock lends immense balance to the team and creates the room to accommodate a second spinner in the side. Although England’s Andrew Flintoff is a strong contender for the slot of the pace bowling all-rounder, Pollock is chosen as he is a far better bowler.