Thorn in the side

Pollock: South Africa legend

In those days Kevin was more of an off-spinner who used to bat down the order. He always used to give it a bit of a tonk down the order. There were hints that he could do what he does now, but I guess you don't always take the hints that you see in life.

Shaun Pollock
Quotes of the week

Proteas legend Shaun Pollock popped into the Cricket AM studio to discuss his new job - and of course, Kevin Pietersen.

The former South Africa seamer has recently made his move into the media as a Sky Sports commentator and shared what it was like working with Beefy and co.

"It's been quite interesting," said Pollock. "Obviously it is a change for me and it has taken a bit of getting used to but there are some experienced guys in the box who are obviously helping me through the initial stages.

"I am enjoying it, obviously not enjoying South Africa's performance to date, but we will be fighting back today.

Banter in the box

"Beefy, Gower and co have given me a bit of a hard time, there is no doubt about that, but they have given the South Africans an even harder time.

"I think it is a good wicket and I am sure the guys will get in amongst the runs, and maybe I can have a bit of a crow about that."

With David Lloyd claiming that the Lord's wicket would have been tailor made for Pollock's skills, the man himself is not so sure.

"Tailor made? A flat wicket? I don't think so," laughed Pollock.

"Obviously there is that little tinkling inside your body that says it would be nice to be out there, but then you remember how you used to wake up in the morning with your body aching, those thoughts tend to disappear.

"Lord's is a great place to play and I think every cricketer who comes here loves playing at Lord's. When you walk out onto the field and you go through the member's pavilion it is very exciting. That sometimes adds to the nerves, so it can make life a little bit difficult."

On KP

Pollock, who played with Pietersen at Natal gave an insight into why South Africa let him go.

"Well we didn't think he was as good as he is," joked Pollock.

"In those days Kevin was more of an off-spinner who used to bat down the order. He always used to give it a bit of a tonk down the order. There were hints that he could do what he does now, but I guess you don't always take the hints that you see in life.

"He has done fantastically well. He made the decision and it could have gone pear shaped for him but he has backed it up with some great performances. He is a superb player and very entertaining to watch.

"He really gets a great start against us, he is a bit of a thorn in the side for us at this stage."

Ending on a high

Pollock retired at the top of his game and revealed that the timing was just right.

"I was always a person who did not want to linger longer," explained Pollock.

"I always wanted to go out on my terms and did not want it to get to the stage where people were looking to kick me out.

"Adam Gilchrist sent a message, I get on well with Gilly and he sent a message to congratulate me when I retired.

"I ended up phoning him when I heard he was retiring and he blamed me saying I was the one who got the ball rolling."