Papa Pollock likely to miss first Test against Lanka

Johannesburg, June 11 (UNI) A true professional, Shaun Pollock and wife Trish have planned the birth of their second child so that it doesn't coincide with his cricket commitments. But with the Sri Lanka series being brought forward, the former captain is all set to miss the first Test.

''We planned the birth to be in mid-July, but then they moved the tour earlier so I might miss the first test,'' Pollock told SuperCricket.

''The caesarean will be on either July 21 or July 25 and I'll be trying to get to Sri Lanka as soon as possible thereafter,'' he added.

South African Convenor of selectors Haroon Lorgat said Pollock wuold be missed but with a strong back-up with the side, there was nothing to worry about.

''It will be a pity if he misses the first test, but there's only a very small probability of him not making it. We depart on July 19 and the birth is only a day or two later, so all our planning suggests he'll only be a couple of days late.

''But it's not really an issue because we'll have plenty of back-up in the squad. I'm keen to rotate and rest players on the tour,'' he added.

Pollock had left the squad during the fourth Test against England in Trent Bridge in 2003 for the birth of his first child Jema.

''They're happy to give me time off again because it really wasn't our fault the tour dates changed,'' Pollock said.

South Africa will find it difficult to field a full strength team for the Sri Lanka tour with Jacques Kallis already ruled out, while there are cloud of doubts over the fitness of Justin Kemp (shoulder) and Andre Nel (foot).

South Africa will announce their squad for the two Test matches in the coming week.

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