Edward John Pollock, often referred to as Ed Pollock, is an English cricketer who established himself as an explosive batsman with incredible striking ability. Born on July 16, 1995, in England, Pollock rose to prominence as a powerful opener in the Birmingham T20 side.
Pollock burst onto the county cricket scene with a memorable county debut, replacing the struggling Ian Bell as the opener for Birmingham. In a courageous display, he blazed his way to a quickfire 66 runs off just 40 balls, using a bat borrowed from Chris Woakes. This innings not only propelled his team to victory over Derbyshire but also injected a new lease of life to a Warwickshire squad that had been struggling and lacking confidence. In fact, his fearless performances inspired Birmingham to reach the final of the T20 competition, offering hope for a brighter future amidst a difficult season.
At the beginning of 2018, Pollock was celebrated as the fastest-scoring cricketer in the history of T20 cricket. With a career strike rate higher than 190 runs per 100 balls, he possessed an unmatched ability to score runs quickly. However, his prowess came at the expense of consistency, as he failed to score a half-century throughout the year, and his effectiveness waned during the Powerplay overs when bowlers, especially spinners, began to counter his aggressive style. Despite the challenges faced in 2018, Pollock remained determined to improve and make a lasting impact in the sport.
The following year proved to be a rollercoaster for Pollock, as he faced further obstacles and found himself in and out of the Birmingham first team. While he managed a notable innings of 77 runs, his sole significant contribution in the Blast, it came at a time when Birmingham had already been eliminated from the competition. Reflecting on his performances, Pollock expressed frustration, acknowledging the difficulties he encountered during the season.
Born into a cricketing family, Pollock’s journey in cricket began with several years in the youth system at Worcestershire. He represented the county from the U13 to U17 levels and attended Royal Grammar School in Worcester before eventually transferring to Shrewsbury School. With a father, Angus Pollock, who played as a seamer for Cambridge University, and a brother, Alasdair, who also excelled as a seamer for Cambridge MCCU, cricket was deeply ingrained in Pollock’s upbringing. He often credited his family, particularly his brother’s constant bowling, for sharpening his skills. Interestingly, Pollock initially identified himself as a more defensive player, describing himself as a “blocker” in his early years. However, he soon discovered and developed a more aggressive side to his game, which ultimately led to his breakthrough at the professional level.
In 2016, Pollock inked an Academy contract with Warwickshire, marking a significant milestone in his career. The following year, he caught the attention of Ashley Giles, the director of cricket, during a T20 warm-up match against Shropshire. This impressive performance earned Pollock a spot in the first-team T20 squad for Birmingham, positioning him as a key player for the club.
Edward John Pollock’s cricketing journey is one marked by explosive power, breathtaking stroke play, and an unwavering determination to make an impact. Although he faced his fair share of challenges and inconsistencies, Pollock’s potential remains evident, and fans eagerly anticipate witnessing his future achievements on the cricket field.