Graeme Pollock

Graeme Pollock was one of those elite few cricketers to have ended his shortish career – he played in only 23 Tests before South Africa got banned due to apartheid – with an average of more than 60. Sir Don Bradman thought that Pollock was one of the best left handed batsmen that the game had produced. A powerful batsman, Pollock’s biggest asset to go with that kind of power was his ability to time the ball impeccably, thus it was not only in Tests, but also in the List A matches that he excelled.

He averaged 60 in Tests, almost 55 in first class matches, and a staggering 50 in 118 List A matches. In one such limited over List A match, Pollock actually hammered a quick fire 222 to win the match for his side, Eastern Province. After his country got banned for apartheid, he continued playing first class cricket for Eastern Province and Transvaal. In 2000, he was chosen as the South African cricketer of the century, and on retirement, he became the National Selector of the South African cricket team.

Graeme Pollock’s brother Peter Pollock was a fine all rounder, while his nephew – Peter’s son – Shaun was one of the best all rounder South Africa has ever produced.