It was reported on Sunday that South African cricket legend, Graeme Pollock, has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke. Pollock, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday in February, suffered the stroke 11 days ago and has been receiving medical care ever since.
A Battle with Cancer and Parkinson’s Disease
In addition to the stroke, Pollock has been facing health challenges in recent years. He has been diagnosed with cancer and Parkinson’s disease, which have undoubtedly added to the difficulties he is currently facing. Despite these setbacks, Pollock has shown incredible strength and resilience.
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A Friend’s Perspective
Spook Hanley, a former teammate of Pollock’s during their time at Transvaal, spoke to the Rapport newspaper about Pollock’s condition. According to Hanley, Pollock is able to move his arms and understand everything that is being said to him. While his condition is stable, Hanley believes that Pollock will remain in the hospital for the foreseeable future.
A Cricketing Legend
Graeme Pollock is widely regarded as one of the greatest left-hand batsmen the game has ever seen. Even the legendary Don Bradman described him as such during his playing days. Pollock represented South Africa in 23 test matches before the country’s isolation from international cricket due to the apartheid regime.
During his international career, Pollock achieved remarkable success, scoring seven centuries and 11 half-centuries. His test batting average of 60.97 ranks as the fourth best-ever, with only two players ahead of him on the list, both of whom played fewer matches than Pollock.
Pollock’s Final Test Series
Pollock turned 26 during his final test series against a touring Australian team in February and March 1970. In the first match of the three-match series, he scored an incredible 274 runs in Durban.
This knock stood as the highest individual score in South African test cricket for 29 years until Gary Kirsten surpassed it with his innings of 275 against England in 1999, also in Durban.
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A Long and Illustrious Career
After South Africa’s ban from international sport, Pollock continued to play first-class cricket. He made his debut at the age of 16 in 1960 and finally retired in 1987 at the age of 43. Throughout his extensive first-class career, Pollock amassed an impressive total of 20,940 runs, with an average of 54.67. He scored 64 centuries and 99 half-centuries, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Graeme Pollock’s contributions to cricket, both on the international stage and in first-class matches, will always be remembered. As he battles his current health challenges, the cricketing community and fans around the world send their well wishes and support to this true legend of the game.
