12 Facts about Kieron Pollard - The Towering Jamaican

Many have lashed out at Kieron Pollard in the past for focusing on just T20 cricket. However, the big Jamaican, as he is known could not be a better fit for the limited overs format. He doesn’t just hit the ball a long way. Like most people say, when he hits the ball, it stays hit. Moreover, his teasing medium pace also comes in handy. On his 29^th birthday, we take a look at some interesting facts about Kieron Pollard.

1. Birth:

Kieron Adrian Pollard was born on the 12^th of May 1987at Tacarigua, Trinidad, and Tobago.

2. Nickname:

Kieron Pollard is fondly known as Polly to his friends and teammates.

3. A towering figure:

Kieron Pollard may not bowl at a fearsome pace, yet, he stands as a towering figure from the ground. He is 6 feet 6 inches tall, approximately 1.98 meters. It is surprising that he didn’t take part in basketball in his younger days.

4. A troubled childhood:

Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Pollard was raised by a single mother, who in turn had to fend for his two sisters as well. Speaking about it, Pollard reflects “It was pretty tough, it wasn’t ideal getting up and your mum say ‘We only have X amount of money’.”

5. U19 cricket career:

Having played for Trinidad in the local league at the U19 level, Pollard made the cut for the West Indies U19 side that toured Pakistan in early 2006. He was also part of the side that went to Sri Lanka for the 2006 edition of the U19 World Cup. He smashed two half-centuries in the tour against Pakistan.

6. A T20 specialist:

Though widely considered a limited-overs specialist, Pollard has expressed a desire to play Test cricket and has a fairly good first-class record behind him, including a whirlwind 126 on debut for Trinidad and Tobago against Barbados. But that call-up has yet to materialize.

7. Horrific numbers:

Although Kieron Pollard is considered one of the most fearsome hitters of the cricket ball, his numbers certainly do not reflect his talent and prowess. Kieron Pollard had a batting average of 11.30 from 15 ODIs and 17.20 from 10 T20Is.

8. The tie breaker:

During the IPL auction, four teams were locked having outbid each other in the IPL auction. Mumbai Indians weren’t paying $750,000 (plus an undisclosed amount to break a tie with three other franchises) for Pollard’s international record; they were shelling out all that money for the fearsome hitting power he had shown in domestic T20.

9. A T20 journeyman:

Here is a list of teams Pollard has plied his trade for: West Indies, Barbados Tridents, Dhaka Gladiators, Mumbai Indians, Somerset, South Australia, Stanford Superstars, Trinidad, Trinidad & Tobago. He has played T20 cricket in almost 5 countries.

10. One of a kind:

Kieron Pollard is certainly one of a kind when it comes to West Indies cricket. He isn’t a Brian Lara or a Viv Richards. Moreover, he also isn’t a Michael Holding or a Gary Sobers. He is a one of a kind player and perhaps the first of his kind in West Indies cricket.

11. Breaking new ground in Australia:

Kieron Pollard’s international baptism of fire came against the Aussies at Sydney in February 2013. Facing the likes of Mitchell Johnson and James Faulkner, the ferocious Pollard stood out of the pack to smash a masterful and unbeaten 109 off just 72 deliveries. his efforts, however, went in vain as the Windies conceded the match to Australia.

12. 2012 World T20:

Pollard was a part of the side that lifted the World T20 championship in 2012. His important innings of 38 from just 15 deliveries ensured that the Windies won the match and subsequently the tournament.