Shaun Pollock is one of South Africa’s greatest all-rounders, known for his precision seam bowling, dependable lower-order batting, and calm leadership. He played a pivotal role in South Africa’s rise in the late 1990s and early 2000s, captaining the side and setting records that still stand today.
Shaun Maclean Pollock, born July 16, 1973, in Port Elizabeth, hails from a legendary cricketing family. His father, Peter Pollock, was a fast bowler in the 1960s, and his uncle, Graeme Pollock, is considered one of the finest left-handers in history. Shaun inherited both talent and temperament, becoming a cornerstone of South African cricket for over a decade.
Shaun Pollock Personal Bio:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shaun Maclean Pollock |
| Date of Birth | July 16, 1973 |
| Birthplace | Port Elizabeth, South Africa |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
| Role | Allrounder, Captain |
Shaun Pollock Statistics:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | Wickets | Bowl Avg | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 108 | 3781 | 32.32 | 421 | 23.11 | 7/87 |
| ODI | 303 | 3519 | 26.46 | 393 | 24.50 | 6/35 |
| T20I | 12 | 86 | 12.29 | 15 | 20.60 | 3/28 |
| IPL | 13 | 147 | 18.38 | 11 | 24.36 | 3/33 |
Career Highlights
- Debut: Test debut vs England in 1995; ODI debut in 1996
- Captaincy: Led South Africa from 2000 to 2003
- Best Test Bowling: 7/87 vs Australia at Adelaide (1998)
- Most economical bowler in ODI history (min 300 wickets)
- ICC Player of the Year nominee (2007)
- Played for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2008 and Warwickshire in county cricket
Playing Style
- Bowling: Relied on line, length, and seam movement rather than raw pace
- Batting: Reliable lower-order contributor with two Test centuries
- Fielding: Agile and safe pair of hands, especially in the slips
- Leadership: Calm, strategic, and respected by teammates and opponents alike
Family Legacy
- Father: Peter Pollock – former South African fast bowler
- Uncle: Graeme Pollock – legendary left-handed batsman
- Grandfather: Andrew Pollock – also played first-class cricket
- Shaun continued the family tradition with distinction, becoming the first South African to take 400 Test wickets.
Retirement & Legacy
Shaun Pollock retired from international cricket in February 2008, after a farewell series against the West Indies. He left as South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs and one of the most respected figures in world cricket.
Post-retirement, he transitioned into commentary and coaching, bringing his analytical mind and composed style to global audiences.
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