Donald confident of beating India but uncertain of 300

Allan Donald is on his third and probably last tour to India as a player to the sub-continent. Darryll Cullinan and Clive Eksteen are the others from the historical 1991 side which visited India and marked the return of South Africa into the Test arena.

A vital member of the South African side since then, 'White Lighting' as Donald is known was persuaded by Ali Bacher to tour India after closely monitoring the Indian performance 'Down Under' against Glenn McGrath and co. After initially showing disinterest in making the tour, Donald is now here on a mission - to get to a tally of 300 wickets in the two Test matches.

Replying to a question on his arrival in Mumbai whether he would reach the magic figure of 300 wickets on this tour, Donald said "it'll be great to get it here though it will be tough". He also added "this series is not the end of the road for me. There are also Tests against New Zealand and Sri Lanka later this year".

On whether he made any special preparation to tackle the Indian team led by Sachin Tendulkar, the paceman said "we studied the Indians being dismissed in Australia on video. Of course the wickets in the sub-continent are different and it's going to be difficult. We have to look at some other ways of trying to get rid of them."

Earlier in Johannesburg, just before the team's departure for India, Donald said his side can beat India inspite of its formidable reputation on home soil. He added the South Africans have a well-balanced side and its professionalism will help topple India. Donald who needs ten scalps to complete 300 wickets will play only in the two Test matches and will skip the five one-dayers that follow.