Opener plans to hit out in South Africa (25 October 1998)

25 October 1998

Opener plans to hit out in South Africa

by Philip Spooner

Watch out South Africa, Philo Wallace is heading your way.

The big, aggressive opener left the island on Friday for a five-Test series in South Africa via the week-long Wills International One-Day tournament in Bangladesh.

Wallace, the lone Barbadian on the squad, said he knew his job was an important one and was looking forward to the challenge of playing against the South Africans in their own backyard.

Speaking at a farewell "lime" at his club, Big B Spartan, the 28-year-old said: "I trust in my ability and I know I can pick up the challenge. It's a matter of knowing what you're about and how to go about your job.

"I see it as an honour to be chosen on the West Indies' first official Test tour of South Africa and the job is now to make it a tour to remember."

The start of the innings is of vital importance for the West Indies. Wallace formed a successful opening partnership with Guyanese left-hander Clayton Lambert in the last two Tests against England earlier this year, and hopes to continue the good form on the "African safari" which starts November 10.

Using the "big-stick" method, Wallace and Lambert provided starts of 82, 72 and 167, a welcomed oasis in the drought which had become the norm since the departure of Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes earlier this decade.

"I feel comfortable batting with Lambert and I was quite pleased that we gelled well against England," Wallace said. "This tour is longer, harder and more competitive than the job we faced against England so it's time to show your true mettle."

It will be the second Test tour for the Barbados captain, following the ill-fated trip last year to Pakistan. He does not expect a repeat of last year's 3-0 hammering at the hands of the Pakistanis.

He said the obvious challenge will be the pace combination of Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock, South Africa's world-rated new-ball bowlers.

"I respect them. They both have pace and have the ability to swing the ball, but at the end of the day I have a job to do for the West Indies and I intend to do it," the powerfull six-footer said. "I am in good form following my contract in England and the Red Stripe Bowl so I will be going to Africa focused and determined."

Source :: The Barbados Nation (https://www.nationnews.com/)