Peter Pollock biography, parents, married, wife, former cricketer, children, net worth

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<h2>Early Life and Family Background</h2>
<p><a href="/biography/peter-pollock">Peter Maclean Pollock</a> was born on June 30, 1941, in Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa. He came from a family with Scottish heritage; his <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Maclean_Pollock">father</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Maclean_Pollock">Andrew Pollock</a>, was born in Edinburgh before relocating to South Africa. Peter was part of a prominent sporting family—his <a href="/biography/graeme-pollock">brother</a>, <a href="/biography/graeme-pollock">Graeme Pollock</a>, was also a regular <a href="/biography/graeme-pollock">player</a> for the South African cricket team during the same era.</p>

<p>Both Peter and <a href="/biography/graeme-pollock">Graeme</a> attended Grey High School in Port Elizabeth, a school renowned for its sporting excellence. At school, Peter excelled in both batting and bowling. However, visiting coach George Cox of Sussex advised him to focus on bowling, predicting he would not attain greatness as a batsman—a suggestion that greatly disappointed Peter at the time.</p>

<h2>International Cricket Career</h2>
<p>Peter Pollock made his Test debut in 1961 in Durban against New Zealand, where he claimed six wickets in the second innings. Throughout the 1960s, he established himself as South Africa's leading fast bowler, showcasing consistency and skill across all formats. He was a mainstay in the national team, playing every Test match for South Africa from 1962 until the country’s sporting isolation in 1970.</p>

<p>One of the highlights of his career occurred in 1965 during a Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. In that game, Peter took a total of 10 wickets with figures of 5 for 53 and 5 for 34, leading South Africa to victory. His brother <a href="/biography/graeme-pollock">Graeme</a> contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 125 and 59. The win secured the Test as well as the three-match series against England.</p>

<h2>Accolades and Recognition</h2>
<p>In recognition of his exceptional performances, Peter Pollock was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1966. Known primarily as a right-arm fast bowler, he was also a capable right-handed <a href="/biography/peter-pollock">batsman</a> in the lower order. His playing style was marked by aggression, control, and a focus on disciplined fast bowling.</p>

<h2>Anti-Apartheid Stance and Administrative Role</h2>
<p>Both Peter and <a href="/biography/graeme-pollock">Graeme Pollock</a> became notable figures in cricket's resistance to apartheid and political interference in sport. Their activism culminated in their involvement in the symbolic walk-off at Newlands in 1971, an event that underscored their protest against racial segregation in cricket.</p>

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<h2>Post-Playing Career and Legacy</h2>
<p>After South Africa's re-admittance into international cricket in the early 1990s, Peter Pollock served a pivotal role as the convenor of selectors. Under his leadership, the South African team cultivated a culture of disciplined, aggressive fast bowling—a strategy that helped elevate the team back to prominence on the international stage.</p>

<p>For his contributions to the sport, Peter was honored as an Honorary Life Member of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Beyond cricket, he worked as a journalist and a company director. Though details about his net worth or salary have not been publicly disclosed, his influence on and off the field remains widely acknowledged.</p>

<h2>Family and Personal Beliefs</h2>
<p>Peter Pollock is married and has children. His <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaun_Pollock">son</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaun_Pollock">Shaun Pollock</a>, followed in his footsteps and became one of South Africa’s greatest all-rounders. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaun_Pollock">Shaun</a> played in 108 Test matches and more than 300 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for South Africa, earning a place among the country's cricketing elite.</p>

<p>Peter is also known for his Christian faith and serves as an international evangelist. His passion for sharing his beliefs is reflected in the books he has written, which cover both cricket and Christian life. His published works include: <i>Bouncers and Boundaries</i> (with <a href="/biography/graeme-pollock">Graeme Pollock</a>, 1968), <i>The Thirty Tests</i> (1978), <i>Clean Bowled</i> (1985), <i>God's Fast Bowler</i> (2001), <i>The Winning Factor</i> (2004), and <i>Into the Light</i> (2012).</p>

<h2>Cricketing Style and Extended Family</h2>
<p>Peter Pollock was a right-handed <a href="/biography/peter-pollock">batsman</a> and bowled right-arm fast. His disciplined and effective bowling helped define South Africa’s cricketing identity during his tenure. His influence extended within the family as well; in addition to his son <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaun_Pollock">Shaun</a>, Peter’s two nephews also played first-class cricket, representing teams such as Transvaal and Leicestershire.</p>

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