The Rival XI - A team which can beat the Wisden XI

Graeme Pollock

Tests – 23

Runs – 2256

Average – 60.97

100s – 7

Don’t be fooled by those relatively small numbers (save for that monumental average). Graeme Pollock was one of the finest left-handed batsmen of his generation. And don’t take my word for it either; he was described as the best batsman since Garry Sobers by none other than Sir Don Bradman.

A natural timer of the ball, Pollock’s game had the unique combination of power and elegance. Deprived by the isolation inflicted on South Africa, Pollock could not show his full flare on the international scene, but in the 23 Tests that he played, this tall left-hander proved that he was one of the world’s finest ever.

Although he batted higher up the order for his country, in this team, he could create devastation at number six.