Sporting legends : Peter Pollock - South African great of 1970s - Career HLs , video

 



Peter Pollock – The Heart of South Africa’s Seam Attack

🧾 Introduction

Peter Maclean Pollock was born on June 30, 1941, in Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa. A right-arm fast bowler and right-handed lower-order batsman, Peter Pollock was the spearhead of South Africa's pace attack during the 1960s and one of the country’s finest cricketing minds. He was known for his aggression, discipline, and leadership both on and off the field. 


Peter Pollock has a great cricket legacy in his family with brother Greame Pollock considered as an iconic South African batter , an all time great and son Shaun Pollock ending as one of the South African all round greats .  

Peter Pollock ( R)  with brother Greame Pollock (L) 


Style of Play

Peter Pollock was a genuinely fast and hostile bowler, who delivered with a classical upright action. His ability to extract bounce and movement even on unresponsive wickets made him a constant threat. As a batsman, he was capable of stubborn lower-order resistance and occasional big-hitting. His fielding was safe and dependable, especially in close-in positions.

Career Stats

Test Cricket

  • Matches: 28
  • Wickets: 116
  • Bowling Average: 24.18
  • Best Bowling: 6/38
  • 5-wicket hauls: 9
  • 10-wicket matches: 1
  • Runs: 607
  • Batting Average: 21.67
  • 50s: 3
  • Highest Score: 75

ODI Cricket

  • South Africa was banned from international cricket during his prime years due to apartheid; hence, Pollock never played ODIs.

First-Class Career

  • Matches: 127
  • Wickets: 485
  • Bowling Average: 21.14
  • 5-wicket hauls: 28
  • 10-wicket matches: 5
  • Runs: 2,210
  • Batting Average: 20.46
  • Highest Score: 89

Career Highlights

  • Debut: Test debut against New Zealand in 1961 at Cape Town.
  • Iconic Series Win: Played a pivotal role in South Africa’s historic 4–0 series win against Australia in 1969–70, taking 15 wickets in 4 Tests.
  • Captaincy Stand-in: Occasionally captained the side and was widely respected for his tactical understanding.
  • Bowling Partnership: Formed a deadly new-ball partnership with his younger brother Graeme Pollock, a batting genius, and other bowlers like Mike Procter and Trevor Goddard.

Best Bowling Performances

  1. 6/38 vs New Zealand (Auckland, 1964) – A masterclass of fast bowling that helped bowl out New Zealand cheaply and secure a vital win.
  2. 5/34 vs Australia (Durban, 1970) – Ripped through Australia’s top order, demonstrating his control and hostility.
  3. 5/53 vs England (Trent Bridge, 1965) – One of his finest overseas performances, where he repeatedly beat England’s top batters with bounce and pace.

Memorable Batting Contributions

  • 75 vs England (Lord’s, 1965) – An invaluable lower-order knock under pressure, showcasing his resilience and technique.
  • Often contributed crucial runs at No. 8 or 9 when the team was struggling, helping to frustrate the opposition.

Legacy

  • Key Architect of SA Pace Culture: Laid the foundation for South Africa’s fast-bowling legacy, followed by greats like Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock (his son), and Dale Steyn.
  • Administrator and Selector: Played a vital role post-apartheid as a chief selector and was instrumental in rebuilding South African cricket in the 1990s.
  • Moral Leadership: Strongly opposed apartheid-era policies and was involved in reforming the game from within.
  • Father of a Legend: His son Shaun Pollock became one of the greatest South African all-rounders, carrying forward the family name with pride.

Final Word

Peter Pollock was more than a brilliant fast bowler; he was a visionary who helped guide South African cricket through one of its most tumultuous periods. His legacy is etched not just in numbers, but in principles—fairness, reform, and excellence. He remains a symbol of the resilience, intellect, and sportsmanship that defined an era of South African cricket both on and off the field.


Watch footages of Peter Pollocks hostile bowling for South Africa 

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