Â鶹APP

South African cricketer Allan Donald in 2012 Photo Robwildlife2

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Allan Donald

Allan Anthony Donald is a South African former cricketer who is also the current bowling coach of Bangladesh national cricket team. Often nicknamed ‘White Lightning’ due to his lightning quick bowling, he is considered one of the South Africa national cricket team’s most successful pace bowlers.

He was an important, integral and crucial member of the South African team in its resurgence into international cricket since readmission and played an influential role as a frontline genuine seam bowler to boost South Africa to new heights since its readmission to international cricket.

Let’s take a look at some of most interesting facts about him;

1.He completed his primary education at the Technical High School

He completed his primary education at the Technical High School.He rose to prominence and limelight after taking 9/16 against his uncles school Grey College in Bloemfontein and due to his breakthrough performance, he made it to the Orange Free State team in 1984.

However, he injured his groin and couldn’t take part further before reaching to the standards required to play at first-class level. He subsequently missed out the opportunity to play on the Nuffield Week and also missed out on a golden opportunity of potentially being picked for South African schools cricket side.

2.He made his first-class debut in the Currie Cup playing for Orange Free State in 1985

In November 1985, he made his first-class debut in the Currie Cup playing for Orange Free State against the Transvaal cricket team at the age of just 19 and he was included for the match at the last minute as an injury replacement to Corrie van Zyl who injured his foot badly prior to the match.

He was originally supposed to be the twelfth man of the side during the match but was called upon by his captain Chris Broad just ten minutes before the toss. He managed to pick up just the sole wicket of Jimmy Cook on his first-class debut at Transvaal, Johannesburg. 

3.He made his ODI and international debut for South Africa against India in 1991

He made his ODI and international debut for South Africa against India on 10 November 1991 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata which also turned out to be South Africa’s comeback return to international cricket after serving years long ban from international cricket due to apartheid.

It was also South Africa’s very first One Day International appearance as well as South Africa’s first competitive international match in 22 years and Donald was the second cap of the South African ODI side. He picked up a five-wicket haul on his ODI debut. 

4.He became the first South African bowler to take a fifer on ODI debut

ALLAN DONALD Photo by NAPARAZZI

He became the first South African bowler to take a fifer on ODI debut as well as the first South African to take a five-wicket haul for South Africa in ODI history. He was included in South African squad for the 1992 Cricket World Cup which also marked South Africa’s maiden appearance in a World Cup tournament.

On 26 February 1992, he featured in South Africa’s memorable first ever World Cup match which was against Australia and starred with the ball in the first match of South Africa during the 1992 World Cup. Donald ran through the Aussie top order but he was largely unsuccessful and unlucky to create a breakthrough in his first over.

5.He was largely criticized during his career

ALLAN DONALD Photo by NAPARAZZI

His reputation started to take a hit among public following South Africa’s exit from the 1999 World Cup as public opinions on him were mostly critical of his approach regarding running between the wickets especially when he engaged in the brainfade runout which cost South Africa a golden chance to reach their first ever World Cup final.

Although, he was largely successful with the ball throughout the tournament, his World Cup heroics with the ball was largely overshadowed by the runout incident which is still remembered by South Africans. He was seen as a villain by many South Africans and he received negative publicity due to media bashing him for his blunder during the crucial stage of the semi-final.

6.He retired from all forms of cricket in 2004

He retired from ODI cricket and from international cricket following South Africa’s disastrous 2003 World Cup campaign where South Africa were knocked out from group stage for the first time. He himself too had an awful World Cup tournament personally as he managed to pick up only one wicket in three matches with a mediocre average of 133.

He retired from all forms of cricket in 2004 after playing in his final home domestic season citing deterioration of physical conditions.When he retired, he was South Africa’s record wicket-taker with 330 Test wickets at an average of 22.25, and claimed 272 One Day International wickets at an average of 21.78. 

7.He instilled fear among batsmen with his speed, hostility and aggression on the field

South African cricketer Allan Donald in 2012 Photo Robwildlife2

During his playing career, he instilled fear among the batsmen with his speed, hostility and aggression on the field. He is known for his duels with some of the best batsmen of his generation including the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Michael Atherton and Steve Waugh.

He is also best remembered for his infamous iconic runout during the 1999 World Cup semi-final match between South Africa and Australia which eventually dented South Africa’s golden run in the global showpiece. He became the first South African to take 300 test wickets.

8.He featured in four World Cup tournaments for South Africa before retiring

He featured in four World Cup tournaments for South Africa in 1992, 1996, 1999 and 2003.During his playing career, he was well known for applying zinc cream on his cheeks and nose to avoid the effects of sunburn. During the mid 1990s, he was the fastest bowler in the globe. 

Whenever he bowled, a puff of dust came from the pitch.He was one of the 10 South African cricketers to make their test debuts during their one-off test tour to the West Indies in 1992. He was part of South Africa’s first ever ODI team as well as South Africa’s first ever World Cup team.

9.He has also coached a number of teams, including international sides

In May 2007, Donald was appointed as a temporary bowling consultant for the England cricket team. His involvement impressed many, and was praised by several players. Donald’s original brief contract was extended until September 2007.

Since retiring Donald has been a coach with a number of teams, including international sides. From 2018 to 2019 he was the Assistant Coach at Kent County Cricket Club in England.Donald also coached the reigning Zimbabwean domestic champions, Mountaineers, in 2010.

10.He is married to Tina Donald and they have two children 

Allan Donald lives in Durbin, South Africa with his wife, Tina Donald. Allan Donald wife Tina Donald is an English woman, she lived in Birmingham before marriage. They have a son, Oliver Donald and a daughter, Hannah Donald. Allan had rough times with his family throughout his career. 

He once left a series when coaching South African cricket team in England.He is also one if the most successful sportsmen from South Africa and has a net worth of around $1.5 million, which he made mostly from his career as successful cricketer and coach. He also has several endorsements and commercial deals.