Graeme Pollock biography, wife, children, cancer, net worth, children

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<h2>Early Life and Background</h2>
<p><a href="/biography/graeme-pollock">Robert Graeme Pollock</a> was born on February 27, 1944, in Durban, Natal Province, then part of the Union of South Africa, to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Maclean_Pollock">Andrew Pollock</a>. Of Scottish descent, Graeme was raised alongside his older <a href="/biography/peter-pollock">brother</a>, <a href="/biography/peter-pollock">Peter Pollock</a>. Both their father and <a href="/biography/peter-pollock">Peter</a> went on to become notable cricketers. Graeme attended Grey High School, where he developed his cricketing talent and earned a position on the Eastern Province school team, setting the stage for his professional sports career.</p>

<h2>Rise to Prominence and International Debut</h2>
<p>Graeme Pollock’s professional cricket journey began in earnest in 1961 when he made his first-class debut. In 1963, he was selected for the South African national team's tour of Australia. Although the tour started poorly with a loss to Western Australia, Pollock soon showcased his talent. During England's 1964–65 tour of South Africa, he scored an impressive 137 runs in the final Test at St George's Park, a defining performance early in his international career.</p>

<h2>Test Cricket Achievements</h2>
<p>Between 1962 and 1970, Graeme Pollock became a central figure in South Africa's Test cricket team. His most notable run came during the 1966–67 series, where South Africa secured a series victory against Australia. Pollock was integral to this success, delivering several critical performances including in the opening match at the Wanderers. South Africa was scheduled to host England in the 1968–69 season, but political tensions and international opposition to apartheid policies led to the tour’s cancellation. This marked the beginning of South Africa’s sporting isolation.</p>

<p>Pollock played 23 official Test matches from 1963 to 1970, scoring 2,256 runs at an extraordinary average of 60.97. His international career concluded in 1970 following South Africa’s series against Australia. He continued to play domestic cricket with distinction for Eastern Province and later Transvaal.</p>

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<h2>Playing During Sporting Isolation</h2>
<p>Following South Africa’s exclusion from official international cricket due to apartheid, Pollock participated in 16 unofficial Test matches against “rebel” teams from England, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and Australia. These matches, though not recognized officially, allowed South African cricketers to maintain competitive form. Pollock retired from first-class cricket in 1987 at the age of 43, finishing his career on a high note with a half-century against the visiting Australian rebel team that same year.</p>

<h2>Legacy and Playing Style</h2>
<p>Graeme Pollock is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s greatest batsmen and among the finest left-handed batsmen in the history of the game. He was the youngest South African to score a double-century in first-class cricket, achieving the feat at just 19. Standing at six feet two inches, his height and natural talent allowed him to dominate bowlers with a graceful yet powerful batting style. He was known for batting left-handed and occasionally bowled leg break, although his impact as a bowler was minimal.</p>

<p>Nicknamed “Little Dog” by teammates, Pollock was celebrated for his consistency and flair at the crease. Following his playing days, he remained active in cricket administration, serving as president of the South African Cricket Players Association. He was also a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Maclean_Pollock">board member</a> and team selector for the Transvaal Cricket Council.</p>

<h2>Personal Life and Family</h2>
<p>Graeme Pollock married in the mid-1960s, and the couple had two sons, Andrew and Anthony, both of whom pursued cricket. His <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaun_Pollock">nephew</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaun_Pollock">Shaun Pollock</a>—<a href="/biography/peter-pollock">Peter Pollock</a>’s <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaun_Pollock">son</a>—became the captain of the South African national cricket team, continuing the family’s legacy. Graeme experienced personal tragedy with the loss of his wife to cancer. He has kept details about his financial status private, and his net worth is not publicly disclosed.</p>

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