The Hindu : Donald calls it a day

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 09, 2003

Sport

Sport - World Cup

Donald calls it a day

By Our Special Correspondent

Bloemfontein March 8. South Africa's Allan Donald announced his retirement from international cricket at a press conference here today.

"It's time to move on. I have no regrets. There had been a few disappointments. The ups in my career have been more than the downs,'' he said.

Donald said he should not be judged by his performances in World Cups. "When I walk out of this room, I know that I have given more than 100 per cent for South Africa. I have enjoyed playing for South Africa. I took the blame on myself when we were knocked out of the World Cup in 1999 in England. Since then I improved my running between the wickets. But I am glad that I did not have to run that single the other night in Durban.

I have played four World Cups, but did not win a single one. That's the beauty of professional sport.''

Donald who took 330 wickets in Tests and 272 wickets in one-day internationals named Sachin Tendulkar, Steve Waugh and Michael Atherton as the top three batsmen he bowled to in his career.

But he picked Tendulkar as the No. 1 batsman.

"He was somewhat a freak, finely balanced player, and had an amazing eye for the game. Bowlers try to assess batsmen, I found it difficult to assess him. These were the qualities that set him apart from the others. Steve Waugh was the toughest cricketer I bowled to. The condition of the pitch and state of the match did not trouble him. He was simply tough. I would pick Atherton for the same reasons. I have had a few run ins with him. I am glad I don't have to bowl to them again."

The United Cricket Board (UCB) Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gerald Majola said that Donald might have finished with his career with the national team as a player, but "the UCB will be fast tracking his ambition to become South Africa's coach.

He will be part of the Technical Committee for the under-19 and senior team that will visit England this summer. Allan has been a great servant of South African cricket. We salute him.

His time has come to retire, but he will continue to play a vital role in developing and training our fast bowlers.''

Donald will be working for television companies and for Sky Sports during South Africa's tour of England this summer.

"But I am excited about being involved with the UCBSA from a coaching perspective. There are a number of young fast bowlers in the game and it will be a great challenge for me in helping them become international cricketers,'' said Donald who is also looking forward to spend more time with wife Tina, daughter Hannah and son Oliver.

Donald made his Test debut in 1992 against the West Indies in Bridgetown. His last Test was against Australia at the Wanderers in February 2002. His one-day international debut was against India at the Eden Gardens, Calcutta in November 1991. He played 72 Tests and 164 one-day internationals.

Donald predicted that Australia and India will meet in the final and that Australia will win it. "I am not disregarding other teams, but I think Australia will win the Cup.''

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