Donald enjoyed bowling at Lord's

Allan Donald is confident that South Africa will put in a better performance at Lord's than they did on their last outing.

By their own admission South Africa were woeful when totally outplayed in the NatWest Series final.

But Donald, who played 72 Tests for South Africa, thinks that experience will stand them in good stead as they look for a hat-trick of Test win's at cricket's headquarters.

"It's hard to put your finger on what went wrong, but maybe a few of the players were too pumped up," Donald explained of their previous outing.

"They shouldn't be over-awed or too emotional now and should just be able to express themselves as if it's a normal five-day Test.

"It's a very special place and there's a special atmosphere in the dressing rooms before the match.

"And then, going down the steps and through the Long Room, it's a journey for young cricketers like Jacques Rudolph."

The likes of Rudolph should be more comfortable in their surroundings now they have a taste of the place, and Donald believes that can only help, particularly if they can treat it like any other match.

It was awesome when we went onto the field and something I'll never forget Allan Donald on 1994

That's the trick his skipper Kepler Wessels employed in 1994 when South Africa played their first Test at Lord's in almost 30 years.

"Playing at Lord's really geed everyone up and got us going," Donald explained, his first appearance at HQ coming in his 15th Test.

"A lot of people spoke about what Lord's was like and what to expect and we so wanted to be there and play cricket.

"Kepler told us to settle down and play the game. We did exactly that and played some really special cricket."

And playing at Lord's didn't affect Donald, the strike bowler enjoying two wins in two outings and two five-wicket hauls to earn his place on the celebrated honours board.

In fact, Donald believes the Lord's effect has a greater impact on the home team.

We had been in deep trouble with the bat and going out to bowl the first ball was unbelievable Allan Donald on 1998

England's record in the 1990s was three wins from 14 matches, although since the turn of the century they have improved their return, winning five of seven.

However, they have not beaten South Africa since 1960 or Australia since 1934.

"Visiting teams play above themselves, better than they normally do, which is why England have probably had such a good time playing against world-class teams.

"At Edgbaston South Africa were there for the taking and would have felt slightly vulnerable.

"But Graeme Smith set himself and his team up for the rest of the series and they will no doubt raise their game at Lord's where they have a good track record."