Pollock lays past ghosts to rest

South African cricket captain Shaun Pollock has dismissed claims that Australia has a mental edge over the Proteas ahead of the first Test, which starts on Friday.

Pollock maintains that recent events such as the match-fixing scandal, which saw former South African cricket captain Hansie Cronje banned for life, would not hamper the performance of the South Africans.

"What's gone before you shouldn't really influence what takes place on the field, so our guys are focused on what they have to do," Pollock told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday.

"As much as there might be a bit of a mental battle going on out on the field, you try to put that behind you and concentrate on the ball."

Pollock, who was thrust into the captain's role following Cronje's dismissal, said the pressure of the situation has only helped the team in the long run.

"I think we've had to deal with quite a few things in South African cricket over the years," Pollock said.

"It has pulled the guys together and we're fighting for a common cause."

Mail Cricket Editor