Pollock deserves a better deal

South Africa must quickly spell out their future plans for their premier all-rounder Shaun Pollock.

It is a shame watching such a great player being reduced to the sidelines in test matches.

To Pollock's credit, he sees the bigger picture and allows himself to be relegated to beverage-waiter duties.

But South Africa must treat one of its cricketing greats better. If they do not see him contributing in the future then it is best he should be told to retire.

Coach Mickey Arthur came out earlier and said that Pollock still has a role in the team in the next 18 months, particularly in England. But that is not enough.

It would be better to drop the player than see him fielding as a substitute.

It is possible that the South Africans are riding high on their victory in Pakistan and their performance in the Tests against New Zealand.

It must be admitted that the two opponents are not exactly doing well in the Test arena. The real challenge will come when the new bowlers face stronger opposition, such as Australia or England.

Probably the South African team have been stung by the constant criticism that they are a one-dimensional bowling side. Hence, the inclusion of spinner Paul Harris at the cost of Pollock is justification of sorts to avoid that premise.

Harris is a good bowler who has a bright future ahead of him.

But on the hard, bouncy wickets in South Africa Pollock would surely have proved more effective.

Pollock's batting ability is also being missed.

One cannot imagine a batsman of the calibre of Andre Nel batting as high as number eight in any other international side.

The South Africans should follow the example of the Australians when it comes to dealing with top-class players.

When Mark Waugh lost form, the Australians informed him that he would be sacked. Waugh took the easy way out and retired.

One of the greatest Australian cricketers, Steve Waugh, was given a time period for his retirement.

Waugh to his credit left the arena with his reputation in tact.

Even Pakistan, known for its ill treatment of star players, gave captain Inzamam-ul-Haq a proper farewell. It was a gesture which was well appreciated by the player and the public alike.

The selectors can be harsh sometimes in dealing with players.

Rahul Dravid was excluded from India's one-day series against Pakistan without explanation.

Marvan Atapattu raised a furore when he lashed out at the Sri Lankan selectors, calling them 'muppets headed by a joker'.

Such frustrations faced by top international players, underlines the fact that the selectors are not bold enough to take a firm decision.

If they don't want a player, it is better to ask him to leave in a proper fashion.

That way, the player would feel proud of himself and his performances.

Players like Pakistan's Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis are still unhappy about the way their careers ended.

The pace duo had contributed so much to Pakistani cricket but were not appreciated in the end.

The South African selectors have been known to make hasty decisions.

It is sad that a player of the calibre of Neil McKenzie cannot find a place in the side.

It has been nearly four years since the batsman played in a Test for his country.

Pollock can still be useful for his team in the kind of role which Glenn McGrath played for Australia before retiring.

Pollock possesses the same ability like McGrath to bowl accurately.

Pollock also complements Makhaya Ntini by keeping the batsman in check at his end. Above all, Pollock is a good enough batsman to find a place in the team for his batting abilities alone.

He proved this when he played a superb knock of 90 against Pakistan in the recent one-day series.

South Africa must recognise one of its gems and not cut short a player who has so much to offer.

With 416 wickets and a batting average of over 30, Pollock is one of the best all-rounders in cricket.

It will be a shame if he calls it a day before his time.