Greama Pollock honoured by ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is getting ready to honour South Africa batting legend Graeme Pollock this week during the first Test between South Africa and Australia in Johannesburg.
The left-hander is set to be formally inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame during the tea interval on the first day of the match on Thursday when he receives a commemorative cap to mark the occasion. The ceremony is the highlight of the ICC's Catch the Spirit week in the country, aimed at promoting the organisation's centenary celebrations.
Pollock, the brother of former South Africa pace bowler Peter and uncle to ex-Proteas captain Shaun, is one of only two South Africans in the initial intake of 55 players in the Hall of Fame, a joint venture between the ICC and the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA).
The other, Barry Richards, received his commemorative cap ahead of the ODI between Australia and South Africa at the WACA Ground in Perth in late January.
Graeme Pollock's international exposure was cut short by South Africa's sporting isolation but even in a truncated career he stamped an indelible mark on the game at the highest level.
In 23 Tests he made seven hundreds and 11 fifties from only 41 trips to the crease and of players to have played 20 innings or more in the longest form of the game, only the great Donald Bradman (99.94) averaged more than his 60.97.
In first-class cricket Graeme Pollock was scarcely less devastating with 29 040 runs at an average of 54.67, including 64 hundreds and 99 fifties.
The cap presentation ceremony is a key part of the celebrations to mark the ICC's centenary year as it acknowledges the greats of the game and the contributions they have made to ensure cricket is a great sport with a great spirit.
Other ICC Cricket Hall of Famers to have received their caps so far in 2009 are ex-Australia wicketkeeper Rodney Marsh and the West Indies trio of former captain Sir Vivian Richards and fast bowlers Michael Holding and Andy Roberts.
Further cap presentations will be made during the course of the year and a limited number of inductees, in addition to the 55 already chosen, will be named during 2009.
The Catch the Spirit week in Johannesburg is part of a range of activities across the continent of Africa to celebrate the spirit of cricket and 100 years of the ICC.