Former South African pacer Allan Donald appointed Bangladesh fast bowling coach

Allan Donald, a former South African fast bowler, has been named as Bangladesh’s pace-bowling coach until the 2022 T20 World Cup. He succeeds Ottis Gibson, who chose not to renew his contract in January of this year. 

Allan Donald is one of South Africa’s all-time greats, and on his retirement from international cricket in 2003, he was the country’s highest wicket-taker in both Tests and ODIs. In 2019, he was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.

Since 2020, the former cricketer has served as the head coach of the Knights, a South African domestic team. Apart from experiences with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, Warwickshire and Kent in county cricket, and Mountaineers in Zimbabwe domestic cricket, Donald worked with the England men (2007), New Zealand men (2010-11), and South Africa men (2013-15). In addition, he has been a regular commentator.

“A very special day for me,” Donald said in a video message posted by the BCB. “I’ll also be working closely with Russell Domingo, who I know really really well from my days with the Proteas,” he said. It seems like Donald is really thrilled to be back with his old mate. It would be interesting to see how that partnership plays along.

“I know he has been working hard with the Bangladesh team and I am looking forward to working with the Bangladesh fast bowlers. A young talented bunch, there’s no doubt,” he added. 

The Bangladesh team has seen the inflow of some good pacers in the last few years and it would be some experience for them to play under the guidance of the South African great. 

Bangladesh will play three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and two Tests in South Africa, with the first match slated for March 18. It would be a big series for the team and Allan Donald would be looking to start off on a positive note. A tough series awaits Bangladesh, considering the fact that South Africa have been in terrific form of late.