Donald snubs Black Caps bowling role

Former South African paceman Allan Donald has refused an offer from New Zealand Cricket to continue in his role as Black Caps bowling coach.
Reports indicate he is instead aiming for a role to play in the South African cricket.

This will come as a big setback for the New Zealand coach John Wright, who alongwith Donald powered the Kiwis to the World Cup semi-final in March.

Fast bowlers like Tim Southee, who flourished under Donald's guidance, will be a worried lot.

Wright's work is cut out as he will have to look for a worthy replacement. Donald completed a ten-week stint.

New Zealand Cricket CEO Justin Vaughan said the organisation had done everything in their powers to keep Donald here, and had at one stage had a verbal agreement about him committing to the role permanently.

"We did everything possible to retain Allan but it is understandable that a role in South Africa would be attractive to both him and his family," Vaughan said.

"Unfortunately, that is the nature of professional sport and although I understand the reasons for Allan's decision, it is disappointing considering the positive discussions we had with Allan about moving to New Zealand and his desire to work with the team."

Kirsten, Donald set for SA role

Gary Kirsten is all set to become the new coach of the South African team with former teammate Allan Donald assisting him, the 'Saturday Star' reported.
According to the reports, Cricket South Africa (CSA) would make a formal announcement on Monday ending two-month speculation as the officials interviewed several candidates from across the globe for the position.

Kirsten, who had a fantastic three seasons with Indian team guiding them to World Cup triumph and to the No 1 ranking in Test cricket was tipped to take over from Corrie Van Zyl, who has returned to his position as head of the CSA High Performance Centre.

CSA has declined to comment on the issue as they intend to make a formal announcement after the coach has signed the contract.

In recent weeks, there has been much speculation that Kirsten had suggested a "multi-coach" approach, with different coaches for the various forms of the game, taking up an overall position as the Director of Cricket, but this did not favour the selection panel.

Kirsten's closest rival for the position was Richard Pybus and Donald, who has been sought after as a bowling coach since his retirement and was a popular partner for Kirsten in the early years of South Africa's return to the international cricket arena following decades of isolation because of apartheid.

Donald has assisted England, and was a part of New Zealand's support staff during World Cup.

He was expected to take up a similar position with the Black Caps before the South African position became available.

Former Proteas captain Kepler Wessels welcomed the news that Kirsten and Donald would coach the Proteas.
"Gary's appointment will be good for South African cricket. He has done unbelievably well in India. He has a great work ethic and knows what is expected of a coach at international level," Wessels said.

"Allan wanted to be involved with the Proteas for a considerable amount of time. He is very passionate about South African cricket and he will do a good job. He has coached quite a lot and is good technically and tactically," Wessels added.

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