CENTURION (South Africa), April 13: Former captain Shaun Pollock says he feels proud and blessed to win 100 Test caps for South Africa.

Pollock, South Africa's leading Test wicket-taker with 389 wickets at an average of 23.21, reaches the milestone along with team mate Jacques Kallis against New Zealand on Saturday.

“It's a bit of a long-service award and I'm really proud of it,” Pollock told reporters on Thursday.

“To play 100 Tests is something special and I'll take a quiet moment to look back on the last 10 years.

“I've been blessed to have played in an awesome side and to have played with and against some fine cricketers.

Pollock, who has also scored over 3000 Test runs at an average in excess of 30, was far from his best in the last two series against Australia, taking just 12 expensive wickets in five Tests home and away.

Every sportsman has disappointing times and you've got to deal with those and move on.

“I thought I went pretty well in Australia, but coming back from injury back here things did not go as well as I would have liked.

So I'm looking to bounce back against New Zealand,” Pollock said.

Pollock was relegated to being a change bowler, behind Makhaya Ntini and Andre Nel, in the final Test against Australia, but the 32-year-old was not sure if that would apply in the three-Test series against the Kiwis.

“My role for these Tests has not been discussed yet, but I realise my time as a new-ball bowler can't go on for ever.

“If the selectors want to change my role, or experiment with other players, then I have to be willing to adapt,” he said.

“My aim has always been to do whatever will help South Africa win and I will try my best in a new role if necessary.”—Agencies