Freak fall keeps Donald away

LONDON, MAY 2. South African paceman Allan Donald is likely to be out of action for up to six weeks after cracking two ribs in a fielding accident.

Hospital X-rays on Tuesday confirmed he had cracked two ribs when he fell heavily on to the boundary fence during Warwickshire's National League game with Hampshire at Southampton on Moday, his county said. He took a skied catch off Shane Warne before crashing on to the advertising boards. Donald successfully caught a skied on-drive from Australian Shane Warne, but fell backwards on to the top of the boundary fence as he did so.

He collapsed in agony, clutching the right side of his lower back. Concerned players from both sides, including Warne, surrounded him.

Hampshire medical staff placed Donald, arguably the world's leading paceman, on the stretcher before taking him to hospital in Southampton.

Warwickshire manager Bob Woolmer said the player was too shocked to have an X-ray in Southampton. He said at the time of the accident: ``Allan thought he had broken a rib. He was in a lot of pain. It was an accident and these things happen, but it wasn't pleasant to watch.'' Warne was declared not out, but was dismissed soon afterwards.

Warwickshire won by 97 runs and Donald took the man-of-the match award for his three for nine spell.

- Reuters

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