Donald reviews his Test series against England

Cape Town - Whether they are fielding in the heat of the day or facing the regenerated spirit which moves Allan Donald, the psychological battle is slowly moving England into a corner in this fourth Test of the Millennium Series. Donald's 20th five-wicket haul on day two of the Newlands match against England on Monday moved the 33 year-old fast bowler to suggest he had been urged to become a "little more aggressive" in keeping with his image.

Whoever made the comment you can guarantee one of the national selectors who were feared fast bowlers in their day, Mike Procter and Clive Rice, would have approved. Whether the "little more aggressive" suggestion came from either of them is a matter for debate. They maintain a stoic silence, allowing you to make up your own mind.

"We have not been bowling the way we can and a lot was said about our performances in Port Elizabeth and Durban," Donald admitted with a sheepish grin.

"Again on the first day, before lunch, when the score was 80 or 90 without a wicket, you think it is going to be a long, hard day."

"I don't want to take anything away from our guys and the way they bowled, but after lunch (on Sunday) we bowled the way we can. We were given the instructions to be a little more aggressive and try a few things," he said.

"I have to say there were a few indifferent shots being played at times, but all credit to our guys. I thought that after lunch we stuck to our guns and bowled particularly well," Donald commented before trying to clear up the issue of possible retirement after taking his 300th Test wicket.

"I know a lot has been said about it (retirement), but I shall have to see what happens after Centurion," he commented. "Right now I want to remain focused on this game and hopefully can win the series here.

Asked about the bowlers role in this match Donald revealed Hansie Cronje had "a bowlers chat, expressing disappointment at our performances in Port Elizabeth and Durban" and during the first session of the match at Newlands.

On the surface prepared at Newlands Donald agreed the quicker bowlers needed to bowl two lengths: keeping it very full in the hope to force the batsman to drive and get a nick or short and pick up the top-edge shot from a hook or pull. It was his view South Africa would serve up the same aggressive approach when England batted a second time.

Donald was also frank in his admission that at the start of the first Test he went into the game uncertain of how it would turn out for him. Yet came the comment it had taken until after tea on the first day of this Test that it had started to come right. "Only then did I start to feel anything like the way I know Allan Donald can bowl: I was hitting the crease better, I was bowling at a reasonable pace and the rhythm is a little better. Sometimes you have to struggle to get the results you want."

"Twenty-one wickets and we are half-way through this Test, so I have to be happy with what I have considering my form," he added.