Australian captain Steve Waugh has paid tribute to Allan Donald following the veteran fast bowler's decision to retire from Test cricket with immediate effect.

The South African took 330 wickets in 72 Tests, the last of them against Australia at Johannesburg, but believes his body is no longer up to the rigours of five-day cricket.

"Allan has always been a highly respected opponent, a world-class bowler and always a huge threat.

"Two battles stand out in my mind - an over he bowled to me at Centurion when he hit me four times, and the time Mark (Waugh) and myself batted against him in the Sydney Test in 1998.

"I always valued playing against him because I knew it was a formidable challenge. He was top class," said Waugh.

Donald claimed 53 wickets in 14 Test appearances against Australia, including five for 36 at Centurion in March 1997, a game South Africa won by eight wickets, and six for 59 in the drawn match at Melbourne nine months later.

U turn

He wanted to retire after last year's tour to the West Indies, but was talked into extending his Test career against the Aussies.

But a hamstring injury meant he could only bowl 15.2 overs in Johannesburg and he will play no further part in the series.

"We have always got on really well and it is sad to see him go in these circumstances," said Australian seam bowler Glenn McGrath.

"We have often been in touch when either of us has reached a landmark and he has been an outstanding performer - it's as simple as that."