Graeme Pollock gets hospitalized after suffering stroke

Graeme Pollock. (Source – Twitter/X)

Legendary former South African batter Graeme Pollock is currently in the hospital after encountering yet another health setback. Graeme, who turned 80 years old on February 27, suffered a stroke 10 days ago. Spook Hanley, who was Graeme’s teammate during his “Mean Machine” days with Transvaal, said he had visited him on Friday, March 29.

Hanley gave the details of Graeme’s health condition after his visit to the hospital. According to the 72-year-old, he was able to move his arms and legs and also understand whatever was being said to him. However, Hanley felt that Pollock would not be released from the hospital any time soon.

For the unversed, Graeme is the uncle of former South African captain Shaun Pollock. Graeme’s latest stroke adds to a growing list of ailments, which include colon cancer and suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, that have taken a toll on his well-being.

During his playing days, Graeme was a left-handed batter, who would occasionally chip in with his leg-spin bowling. The Durban-born debuted for the Proteas in December 1963 at The Gabba in Brisbane against Australia. His final international appearance came in March 1970, once again versus Australia at St George’s Park Stadium in Gqeberha.

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During his illustrious career, Graeme played 23 Tests and scored 2,256 runs at a staggering average of 60.97 and a mind-boggling strike rate of 112.35. He scored 2,256 runs and registered 11 half-centuries and seven centuries. Graeme converted two centuries into double tons and had a highest score of 274. He also picked up four wickets in his Test career. He would have played a lot more international matches than he did but South Africa’s isolation deprived him of it.

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The iconic Don Bradman hailed Graeme as one of the finest left-handers of his generation. The latter also served as the batting coach of South Africa for a while and the Centurion Pavilion at St George’s Park was named Graeme Pollock Pavilion to honour his contribution to South African cricket.