Donald signs new SA contract

South Africa's greatest fast bowler, Allan Donald, signed a new 18-month contract on Thursday thereby pledging his immediate future to his country.

Donald's contract, which runs through until the end of April 2002, will carry him past the 300-Test wicket mark (he currently has 297) and ends a six-month hiatus in his international career which saw him miss South Africa's winter tour to Sri Lanka, Australia and Singapore.

"At the end of the England series earlier this year I was in two minds whether to continue my international career," Donald conceded. "I took a break, talked about it with my wife Tina and she's supportive of me playing as long as I can. The break was probably a good thing for me. It was only six months, but it felt like two years and I've really missed the guys and being part of the South African setup."

Although his current contract runs for 18 months, Donald has his sights set on the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

"I'm very, very hungry," he said. "I want to play for my country again. It will be great to pull on the No 10 shirt again in Kenya and I feel I can still bowl quick for another two or three years."

The 300-wicket mark looms high among Donald's ambitions, and the United Cricket Board has done everything in its power to help him reach this goal sooner rather than later. South Africa's first Test of the summer, against New Zealand, has been deliberately awarded to Bloemfontein, Donald's home ground.

"I've already spoken to Nico Pretorius, the groundsman," grinned Donald, "and I don't think anybody should expect a spinner's track."

UCB managing director Ali Bacher described Donald as one of the best, "if not the best", bowlers to play for South Africa.

"He has two great attributes," said Bacher. "Firstly he has an absolute passion to play for his country. And secondly he has magnificent commitment and this commitment has helped him become a great fast bowler."