Ntini and Pollock battle it out to be fit

By Odette Ismail

South Africa’s two greatest pace bowlers, Makhaya Ntini and Shaun Pollock are competing to be fit for the opening match against Sri Lanka on Monday.

Proteas Physiotherapist Shane Jabaar told the Cape Times that he was concerned about both players whose old injuries recurred. Ntini is still battling to overcome the effect of a “chronically unstable” left knee, while Pollock has a sore lower back.

Jabaar said Ntini is paying the price for his intense and heavy workloads over the past five years and Pollock whose career goes way back. Jabaar said he only has the power to recommend players like Ntini and Pollock to rest but that’s as far as it goes.

He also added that unlike coaches in America and gridiron who are able to refuse players to play, he does not have the power. Jabaar also said if he had the power there would be many players who would not have played in matches they played in.