Pollock finishes on high

Shaun Pollock is carried from the field by Andre Nel (left) and Graeme Smith © Getty Images

Buy this photo

Shaun Pollock reflected on a “fantastic journey” after rounding off his Test career with five wickets in the match as South Africa crushed West Indies on Saturday.

The 34-year-old, making his first Test appearance for a year, claimed four wickets in the first innings and added another in the second as the Proteas completed an innings-and-100-run victory in the third and final Test in Durban.

It brought to an end the series, which South Africa won 2-1, and also Pollock’s 421-wicket Test career, which began more than 12 years ago when he made his debut against England in November 1995.

“It’s been a fantastic journey,” said Pollock, who will round off his international career by completing the one-day series. “I have many great memories.

“For the guys to perform as well as they did (in the last Test) was really special. It all ends on a really high note.”

Pollock acknowledged the form of his rival bowlers, like Dale Steyn, who took six second-innings wickets, had forced his hand.

“The time is right,” he added. “I've had a good innings and played a lot of good cricket, but there's a lot of talent around.

“When Steyn bowls like that, you don't need anyone else. There's so much talent waiting in the wings and I think now is the right time.”

Pollock appeals for a wicket in Durban on his last day of Test cricket © Getty Images

Buy this photo

Pollock would not be drawn on his future beyond the forthcoming one-day series.

He said: “There’s some one-day games coming up, but I don’t want to say too much for the time being.”

Captain Graeme Smith, who hit 147 in the first innings, led the tributes to Pollock.

He said: “For all of us there are fond memories of Shaun. Losing Shaun is a big loss for us, but we have wished him all the best and have some great memories.

“He deserves to be celebrated. He will go down as one of the all-time greats and deserves to be remembered.”

Dwayne Bravo, standing in as West Indies captain in the absence of Chris Gayle, was happy with his side’s display despite succumbing for 139 in the first innings.

The tourists were more competitive second time around, mustering 317 in the absence of middle-order anchor Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who was absent ill.

He said: "The guys came back and fought well. It's a young team, a new coach, captain and staff so it's a positive sign.

“We were set back by injuries and key players, and that cost us. We should be proud of ourselves for the way we fought back.

"Congratulations to South Africa, the players and the fans. They did really well."