Donald set to resume South African ties

There is life in the fast lane after all for Allan Donald along with a Test career long after his 300th wicket with his next tour for South Africa to the West Indies. Which should perk up interest in Bloemfontein and other parts of the country as there had been some doubt about Donald's long-term future after this past season where he fell three short of taking that 300th Test victim.

Signing a proposed 18 months contract with the United Cricket Board when he returns in October means he will be around until the end of the 2001/2002 season to lead the South Africa attack and, if fit, perhaps linger for the World Cup in 2003.

Considered by many, given the opportunity, the first South Africa likely to crack the 400 wicket mark at Test level, Donald's ambition, it is known is to help drive his side to success by winnings a series against Australia. With partners in Shaun Pollock and possibly Mornantau Hayward, they have the appearance of being the ideal pace trio to head South Africa's challenge into the 21st century.

Now plying his fast bowling trade with Warwickshire under the guidance of long-time mentor Bob Woolmer, Donald has indicated he favours signing the option of an 18 months contract when he returns. Acceptance of the terms means he will turn out in the series against New Zealand, followed by that against Sri Lanka and the visit to the Caribbean starting around mid-February.

As expected the 33-year-old's name was missing from the list of contracted players when released on Monday after deciding to embark on a sabbatical which meant he was not available for the two limited-overs series involving Australia, the tour of Sri Lanka and the triangular tournament in Singapore in August.

Donald called Dr Ali Bacher, managing director of the UCB, last week and was told of the concept of the new two-year package which comes into force at the end of this month. "I had told him before he went off to play in England that if he was injury free and felt his heart was in it, we would, without any guarantees, look at offering him a contract," Dr Bacher said.

"He called me after South Africa's win at Kingsmead and was told of the contract deal and he has committed himself to the UCB for 18 months," the UCB chief commented.

Dr Bacher described Donald, whose run out at Birmingham in the semi-final of last year's World Cup saw the match end in a tie and Australia going through to the final, has been described as "most wonderful athlete" by Dr Bacher.

"If he looks after himself there is no reason why he cannot play for another three years," Dr Bacher added, which indicated the possibility of Donald playing in a fourth World Cup. Donald's added advantage is that he can pass on tips and knowledge to the highly talented Mfuneko Ngam and other fast bowlers coming through the development ranks.

For South Africa the return of a committed Donald gives the bowling attack that extra pace weapon, especially against the Windies in the Caribbean.