Pollock still the man of the moment says Donald

DURBAN, South Africa, Feb 22 (Reuters) Shaun Pollock supported Allan Donald for much of his career. With the 2007 World Cup looming it was time for the favour to be returned.

Who did Donald think would be South Africa's most important bowler in the tournament? ''You have to say Shaun Pollock, simply because of the way he bowls up front,'' former South Africa spearhead Donald told Reuters.

Donald was undeterred by the growing opinion that Pollock's diminishing pace would negate his efficiency, particularly on the Caribbean's unresponsive pitches.

''I don't care what pace he bowls at and I realise that the pitches are not going to be bowler-friendly,'' Donald said.

''But Shaun sets the tone more often than not, it just lifts everyone in the team when he's on song.

''It's amazing how much his performance means to the rest of the side.'' Donald spoke soon after Pollock had set up South Africa's emphatic 10-wicket win over Pakistan in the fourth one-day international in Cape Town.

Pollock, as he himself put it afterwards, ''gave them nothing for free'', and took two for 13 from his full quota of 10 overs.

The Pakistanis were strangled at the crease, capitulating for 107. Three days later in Johannesburg, Pollock took five for 23 in the fifth one-dayer.

Pollock has been doing much the same for South Africa for 268 one-day internationals. His economy rate of 3.69 runs to the over makes him the most miserly bowler in international cricket, and his career haul of 367 wickets, at an average of 23.52, puts him on the upper rungs of that ladder.

Pollock is also a respected middle order batsman who revels in his ability to hit the ball hard and straight.

Much has been made of Pollock's pedigree. His father, Peter Pollock, is a former test fast bowler, while his uncle, Graeme Pollock, is the greatest batsman produced by he republic.

Shaun Pollock, however, has forged his own path and earned his own glory.

Reuters AY DB0946