Pollock banks on wearing pitch to aid SA

South African captain Shaun Pollock is backing his bowlers to make the most of a wearing pitch at St. George's Park as the home side bid to win the second test of three against India.

Although bad light ended play 14 overs early on Sunday with South Africa 211 for five in their second innings, their overall lead is a substantial 372 and the only dilemma for Pollock is the timing of his declaration.

The home side made 362 in their first innings and then dismissed India for 201 with fast bowler Pollock taking five for 40.

"The bounce is variable, and I'm sure that will carry on for the next two days," Pollock said. "The new ball certainly went around, so definitely with the harder ball there is lateral movement."

"We've played ourselves into a good position at this stage. But we obviously need to try and bowl them out again. We'll get a score we think is enough for us and then look to put them in."

Indian captain Saurav Ganguly came in for some criticism after lunch on day three when he chose not to unleash his main strike bowler Javagal Srinath.

South Africa, at that point, were 47 for three and Srinath only returned to the attack for the 11th over of the afternoon.

"When you play just two seamers, it's difficult to keep bringing them back," Pollock said in support of the Indian captain.

"They've got the rest of the day to go, and it's difficult to weigh up that decision."

Pollock praised Srinath's bowling.

"He's bowled very well," Pollock said. "We've always respected him as a class bowler. Whenever he's played against us, he's been at you and he gets the ball into the difficult areas."

South Africa won the first match in the three-test series by nine wickets in Bloemfontein.

Mail Cricket Editor