Vic Pollard

Wisden Overview
Lancashire born, the short, dark, stocky was a determined batsman who, if the situation demanded, could attack with enthusiasm. That, allied to his useful offspin - he took 40 Test wickets - and electric fielding, usually in the covers, made him a great asset. Pollard was a Baptist lay preacher who was fiercely opposed to playing cricket on Sundays, but was a determined competitor on any other day. In his 32 Tests for New Zealand, he was an important member of a side fighting to establish itself as a force in the game. In his debut series, in England in 1965, he headed the batting averages with 56.20. In his last series, back in England in 1973, he averaged 100.66, scoring 116 at Trent Bridge, when New Zealand were set 479 to win and made a brave 440, and 105 not out at Lord's. He retired at the end of the tour. Martin Williamson