Donald to join New Zealand as bowling coach

Allan Donald, the former South Africa fast bowler, will join New Zealand as a bowling coach for the ODI series against Pakistan and World Cup that follows.

Donald was formerly coach of Zimbabwe's domestic team Mountaineers and was released from his contract, enabling him to take up the job with the New Zealand team under John Wright. Donald had also briefly served as England's bowling coach in 2007.

"I'm extremely grateful to Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) and the Mountaineers for agreeing to release me and I'm equally excited about the possibility of joining New Zealand Cricket on a more permanent basis," Donald told Reuters on Monday. "Even though I was only in Zimbabwe for three months I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and learned a lot about being head coach.

"Zimbabwe Cricket is undoubtedly heading in the right direction and I was looking forward to being a part of their return to Test cricket. But the opportunity to return to international cricket was irresistible and to work with somebody of the stature of John Wright is something which doesn't come along every day and I can't wait to get started."

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan was pleased to secure Donald's appointment, having tried first in 2008 to get him involved. "Allan's appointment is an exciting one. His extensive coaching and playing experience should make a really positive impact," he said.

"We talked to Allan back in 2008 when an assistant coaching role was available and although he seriously considered coming on board he decided to stay on with Warwickshire. It is great he is now willing to commit and I know he is really looking forward to the challenge of returning to international cricket."

New Zealand are trailing 0-1 in the ongoing Test series against Pakistan and will play six ODIs in the lead-up to the World Cup next month. Donald joins the squad in Wellington on Thursday, ahead of the opening ODI of the series.