South African cricket captain Shaun Pollock conceded that the Wanderers track used for Wednesday’s clash against Sri Lanka would not be suitable to host the World Cup final in less than four months.
Sri Lanka crashed to 128 all out on a green and lively track to lose the first one day international by six wickets. In a fiery opening spell where the ball moved around wickedly, the tourists were reduced to 30 for five within 13 overs.
”That wouldn’t be a good wicket for the World Cup final,” said Pollock after winning the man of the match award for his four wickets for 18 runs.
”For a final you’re looking for a spectacle. I don’t want to be too critical but you obviously want a better surface than that.”
Sri Lankan coach Dav Whatmore refused to be drawn on the issue, saying only that both teams had to bat on the same surface. Although Pollock and his attack were assisted enormously by the pitch, he nevertheless bowled extremely well.
”You sometimes get days when you bowl really well and don’t get any wickets,” pointed out Pollock. ”So it was really nice to get among the sticks.
”What was really good though was that both Makhaya Ntini and I got amongst the wickets early on.
”It’s very difficult for a side to recover from 30 for five.”
Ntini, who made the initial breakthrough, ended with figures of three for 22. – Sapa