Donald out for 6 weeks after accident at Hampshire.

Allan Donald will be out of cricket for at least six weeks, after he cracked two ribs in a National League match between the Warwickshire Bears and Hampshire Foxes at Southampton yesterday. The 33 year old South African was stretchered from the field, as he sustained a sickening blow attempting a catch. Donald, fielding at long-on, was positioned under a skier struck by Shane Warne and, upon leaning back to complete the take, fell backwards onto wooden advertising hoardings.

Donald went to a nearby hospital after the incident believing, quite correctly that he broke a rib. X-rays on Monday proved inconclusive, but others, taken Tuesday morning proved his initial fears correct.

Ironically, Warwickshire were worried about the speedster's fitness before the season, before doctors gave him a clear bill of health. It is perhaps sadder that he should be injured in such a bizarre way.

Donald was prepared to forsake South Africa for his beloved Warwickshire, and was determined to play a full season. It now looks perfectly possibly Donald will not be available until late June. Even if the prognosis is as favourable as Warwickshire suggest, he will miss five county championship games.