|
South Africa's most successful international bowler, Allan Donald, has decided to retire from all international cricket.
The 36-year-old fast bowler retired from Test cricket in February 2002 following a knee injury in the second Test against Australia at the Wanderers. He continued playing One-Day International cricket until his last outing against Canada in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 in East London on February 27.
"I have simply reached the end of the road. I have no more personal goals in either Test or Limited Over cricket and I feel it is now time to move on. I have had a wonderful international career playing for South Africa all over the world for which I am very grateful and I have no regrets." Donald said from Bloemfontein today.
UCB CEO Gerald Majola paid tribute to Donald saying: "Allan has been a great servant of South African cricket and he has represented his country with pride for all of his adult life. His time has come to retire, but he will continue to play a vital role in developing and training our fast bowlers.
It is important for the UCBSA that players who show an interest in coaching are fast-tracked as coaches. As part of his fast-tracking, Allan will travel with the South African under-19 team to England later this year to work with coach Dave Nosworthy as a technical advisor. He will also be involved with our national squad during their tour to the UK and will then return to his province, Free State, next summer."
Majola also acknowledged Donald's role in setting an example to the youth of this country. "I think all of South Africa can be proud of the manner in which Allan has served this country and we are all pleased that he has chosen to ensure that some of his skill and experience will come back into the game in South Africa."
Donald said he was looking forward to his further involvement in the game.
"I am excited about being involved with the UCBSA from a coaching perspective; There are a number of fine young fast bowlers in the game and it will be a great challenge for me to help them become international cricketers."
Retirement will also give Donald more time to spend with his family, wife Tina, daughter Hannah (7) and son Oliver (5).
Donald made his Test debut in 1992 in South Africa's first Test against the West Indies in Bridgetown Barbados. The last of his 72 Tests was against Australia at the Wanderers in February last year.
His One-Day International debut was in South Africa's first ODI against India at Eden Garden in Calcutta in November 1991.
He took 330 Test wickets at an average of 22.25. His best figures were 8 for 71 against Zimbabwe in Harare in 1995.
In 164 ODI matches Donald took 272 wickets at 21.78, with a best of 6 for 23 against Kenya in Nairobi in 1996.
|
|
