Pollock backing Klusener to end lean run

Lance Klusener has endured an appalling tour of the Caribbean by his standards but the South African all-rounder is determined to regain his form for the six remaining one-day internationals.

Klusener scored just 75 runs at an average of less than 10 during the five-test series against West Indies, and hopes of a fresh start in the opening one-dayer were crushed.

The big-hitting left-hander was bowled first ball at Sabina Park, Kingston, on Saturday when South Africa lost by three wickets on the last ball of the match.

"It's been a very, very frustrating time. I hate not contributing to the team and I can get pretty grumpy when I'm not," Klusener said on Tuesday as he prepared for the second game of the series here on Wednesday.

"But there is still time to turn things around and I can still make a worthwhile contribution. I've bowled a couple of decent spells here and there but it has been a disaster with the bat. I'm convinced there is nothing wrong technically so I've just got to carry on believing in myself."

Klusener's captain, Shaun Pollock, agrees that confidence is the key.

"If you look at his record over more than 100 one-day internationals you can see what a quality player he is. The most important thing we can do is try to keep him as relaxed as possible and show him our support," Pollock said.

"He will come right sooner or later. You can't keep on failing when you're as good as him. Anybody can be out first ball, no matter how good or bad your form is."

Although his game is struggling, Klusener has not entirely lost his sense of humour.

"I've caught more fish than scored runs on this tour," he said in reference to his favourite hobby that has kept him busy for hours when not playing or practising.

West Indies, meanwhile, are riding the crest of a confidence wave following back-to-back victories over South Africa in the final test and first one-dayer.

Captain Carl Hooper continues to warn his team's supporters there is a long way to go but West Indians have been starved of success for too long not to celebrate a victory when it comes along.

Hooper has recovered from the leg cramps that forced him to bat with a runner in the first limited overs game so West Indies will choose from a full 13-man squad.

South Africa will replace Neil McKenzie, who pulled a hamstring in Jamaica, with another batsman in Boeta Dippenaar.

Mail Cricket Editor