Afrigather Earlier than Dale Steyn, the Proteas used to have Allan ‘White Lightning’ Donald within the early 90s.
Thought of one in every of South Africa’s most profitable quick bowlers, the ex-fast bowler from Bloemfontein took over 600 worldwide wickets. He performed in 4 totally different World Cups for the Proteas and was additionally the nation’s main wicket-taker at one level.
Many will bear in mind Allan Donald as a bowler with zinc cream on his cheeks and nostril. His menacing tempo and stare scared many batsmen the world over throughout his peak years.
Though he is without doubt one of the most profitable quick bowlers within the nation, when followers discuss Donald, most frequently, his notorious runout throughout South Africa’s loss within the 1999 World Cup semi-final is the very first thing in thoughts.
Allan Donald’s runout remains to be talked about
Within the semi-final match towards Australia, which is dubbed ‘the best World Cup match’ in historical past, the Proteas wanted to win to achieve their first-ever WC remaining. The Aussies batted first and had been restricted to simply 213.
The Proteas battled to the whole and within the remaining two overs, Donald was referred to as to bat alongside Lance Klusener. The previous SA all-rounder had put his nation in a decent place to win the match,
Aussie’s Damien Fleming was tasked with the ball within the remaining over and his first two deliveries had been smashed for 4 by Klusener. With one run wanted, the sport was in Proteas fingers however the unthinkable occurred.
The third ball from Fleming was hit viciously by Klusener however went straight to a area at mid-on. Zulu sprinted down the pitch after hitting the ball, however Donald, on the different finish, was watching the ball.
Fleming rolled the ball to Adam Gilchrist to hit the stumps and ship Australia to the ultimate. The Aussies will go on and win the event whereas many South Africans blamed Allan Donald for the painful loss which remains to be felt immediately.
Klusener and Donald’s miscommunication nonetheless hurts
After the semi-final, his status began to take successful amongst followers. Though he performed for 3 extra years, he finally retired from the sport as a result of a circulation of accidents.
After retirement, the White Lightning went into teaching and in 2007, was appointed as a brief bowling advisor for the England cricket crew. After that, he joined New Zealand as their bowling coach however left the facet in 2011.
Allan Donald returned to the Proteas to affix Gary Kirsten’s teaching crew as bowling coach. He remained with the crew till the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Since then, he has coached in England, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and within the Indian Premier League(IPL).
Final month, it was introduced that Allan Donald was appointed because the bowling coach of Durban’s Tremendous Giants for the SA20 2025.
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