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| | Friday, 17 May, 2002, 13:24 GMT 14:24 UK Donald signs with Worcs Donald is one of South Africa's all-time greats Allan Donald is to join Worcestershire for a short-term stint at New Road in June. The South African fast bowler will deputise for Andy Bichel while the Australian takes part in a one-day series at home to Pakistan. And he hopes the stint will push his claims for a place in South Africa's World Cup squad next February.
Donald was introduced to the Worcestershire crowd during the lunch interval of Friday's Championship match against Essex at New Road. The 35-year-old will play in just a single County Championship game for the Black Pears, against Durham at Chester-le-Street. But he could play in as many as five one-day fixtures, and that could include a Benson & Hedges Cup semi-final, and the final should Worcestershire progress that far. Bichel will return from Australia after the third one-day international on 19 June, but if he is not ready to play, Donald could take on Warwickshire in the National League four days later. New challenge Donald played for the Bears for 11 seasons between 1987 and 2000 and is a former teammate of Worcestershire's Director of Cricket Tom Moody. "It's going to be strange sitting on the other side of the fence after playing against Worcestershire for so long," Donald told BBC Sport Online.
"It's another challenge for me, playing with guys I don't know very much about." Moody said he was delighted to capture the fast bowler, nicknamed White Lightning for a critical period of the season. "Obviously we are sorry to lose Andy Bichel who has started the season so well for us," said the former Australia all-rounder. "But to have Allan on board for a few weeks will be good for all concerned. "His experience and class will enable us to maintain the early season momentum and his presence will be invaluable in the dressing room." Three counties short Donald has an English wife and is currently playing for Knowle and Dorridge in Birmingham League cricket. He retired from Test cricket earlier this year after taking 330 wickets in 72 matches, but still hopes to play in South Africa's one-day team when they host the World Cup next year. Three counties will lose their overseas players during the Australian series which lasts from 12-19 June, the others affected are Yorkshire and Leicestershire. Yorkshire have already agreed terms with Simon Katich to replace skipper Darren Lehmann. But Leicestershire have yet to make any announcement about potential replacements for Michael Bevan. | |
See also:  17 May 02 | Cricket 25 Feb 02 | Australia v South Africa 27 Feb 02 | Australia v South Africa Top Worcestershire stories now: Links to more Worcestershire stories are at the foot of the page. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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