Pitch suits India more than England: Pollock

Santhosh S

September 20, 2002

After completing an emphatic win over Kenya and qualifying for the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy, South African skipper Shaun Pollock said that it doesn't really matter who their opponents are going to be.

Pollock reckons that India has an edge over England.

"We will be following that game with interest, with the tracks that takes a little more spin, and it would probably suit a team like India more than England," he said.

South Africa have been playing some good cricket in Sri Lanka and Pollock is quite confident about his team qualifying for the final, no matter who they play in the semi-final.

"We've got a good team and we play well. If we look after our own discipline, we believe we can beat either of those sides. We are looking forward to that opportunity."

On the same subject of the semi final opponent, Man of the Match Herschelle Gibbs had a much more philosophical approach.

"I don't think it makes a difference. In order to win a tournament you got to be able to beat any team; the team that plays best cricket on that day should go through," Gibbs said.

Pollock said that his team never took the Kenyans lightly. The skipper is quite happy to see the guys do well, and is pleased by the effort Makhaya Ntini put in against Kenya.

"Nicky Boje has a fracture; we are still waiting to know whether he will be all right for the semi-final," Pollock added.

Gibbs was obviously a satisfied man after scoring a hundred under extremely humid conditions in Colombo.

"As soon as I got to my hundred everything else fell, it was just exceptionally hot, and there is nothing much you can do once you feel like that. The last three shots I hit were of my last energy."

Gibbs had only praise for his new opening partner Graeme Smith, who has replaced the veteran Gary Kirsten.

"Graeme is equally mentally strong as Gary, a very solid player; he does not have the flair that Gary has, but he chooses his shots very nicely. We have a good understanding, which is very important in the beginning of the innings. He is going to do well in his international career."

Talking about batting against Kenya, Gibbs said, "Basically I have been working on my balance, which is very crucial in the beginning of the innings. The opening partnership is obviously vital, credit should be given to Graeme and we worked together nicely and set up the big score."

Kenyan skipper Steve Tikolo said that the positive thing he takes from the tournament is the learning experience from playing against the top two teams in the world. The key areas he specified was bowling well in the first 15 overs, and the batsmen having to play longer innings.

He was obviously disappointed by the team's batting.

"We have some good batsmen in the team, but things have not been working out for them."

When asked about the tour to India, Tikolo said: "There wasn't enough communication between our board and the Indian board, and the tour has been cancelled."

Tikolo was quite categorical when asked about the issues between the players and board regarding fees.

"All problems with the board have been sorted out."

Tikolo did his nation proud by putting up brave batting performances against West Indies and South Africa, top scoring in both the matches. He did not hide his desire about playing abroad in England in the county circuit or elsewhere.

"If an opportunity comes by, I will grab it with both hands."

The Kenyan skipper was not too happy about the opportunities presented to his team going into the World Cup 2003.

"We don't have too many games against the top team, and that is a hindrance to us, hopefully ICC will do something for us."

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Series/Tournaments

ICC Champions Trophy

Teams

Kenya

South Africa