Shaun Pollock was a medium-fast seam bowler, with the ability to deliver a quicker ball with accuracy and swing. He is considered to be one of the straightest bowlers in world cricket.

The nephew of legendary South African cricketer Graeme Pollock and the son of former South African fast bowler Peter Pollock, expectations from him have been high since he started playing for South Africa in 1995/96, in their home series against England. He cemented his place in the team with some excellent performances and found a steady bowling partner in Allan Donald. They were to be the mainstay of South African bowling till Donald's retirement.

Pollock was also a very useful hard-hitting batsman who normally bats at 7 or 8, with a Test average of over 30 and ODI average above 25. There have been many occasions when Pollock saved the day for South Africa by stringing together important lower order partnerships. In fact, most critics would say that he has not fulfilled his true potential as a batsman.[citation needed] He is also an athletic fielder.