Allan Donald's wishlist
A round-up of IPL news on April 17, 2013
Nagraj Gollapudi
17-Apr-2013
Allan Donald, the former South African fast bowler, fancies being part of a pace attack comprising his fellow countrymen Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. Donald, who retired from international cricket in 2003 with 602 wickets (330 in Tests and 272 in ODIs) is the bowling coach at South Africa and, currently, the head coach at Pune Warriors in the IPL. Donald said the pair of Steyn and Morkel is the best fast-bowling combination in cricket. "I wish I did [play with them]. If I were to bowl with Dale and Morne Morkel, we would have formed the most prolific attack," he told the IPL website. "Working with them is unbelievably special. They are at the moment and hopefully will remain the best fast-bowling pair in the world for quite some time."
Tait backs Dravid as opener
Rajasthan Royals' opening stands this season have been 22, 11, 0, 43. Even though Ajinkya Rahane, their best batsman last year, has remained a constant at one end, his partners have been rotated with Shane Watson and Kusal Perera playing two matches each. Despite the instability at the front, Royals have managed to win three of their four matches. Some credit for that must go to their captain Rahul Dravid: coming in at No. 3, Dravid has carved a platform for the middle-order to build on and with two half-centuries he has been Royal's best batsman this season. His team-mate Shaun Tait is of the opinion that Dravid should join Rahane at the top as they were a success as openers last season. "I agree both [Dravid and Rahane] are outstanding players. We want to see them opening for the team and build a solid base for us. They are among the main pillars of our team and we are looking forward to their performances," Tait told Mail Today. Tait might have a point, considering Dravid has scored 805 runs in the opening slot for Royals.
Rajasthan Royals' opening stands this season have been 22, 11, 0, 43. Even though Ajinkya Rahane, their best batsman last year, has remained a constant at one end, his partners have been rotated with Shane Watson and Kusal Perera playing two matches each. Despite the instability at the front, Royals have managed to win three of their four matches. Some credit for that must go to their captain Rahul Dravid: coming in at No. 3, Dravid has carved a platform for the middle-order to build on and with two half-centuries he has been Royal's best batsman this season. His team-mate Shaun Tait is of the opinion that Dravid should join Rahane at the top as they were a success as openers last season. "I agree both [Dravid and Rahane] are outstanding players. We want to see them opening for the team and build a solid base for us. They are among the main pillars of our team and we are looking forward to their performances," Tait told Mail Today. Tait might have a point, considering Dravid has scored 805 runs in the opening slot for Royals.
Nagraj Gollapudi is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo