Donald Backs South African Pacers To Deliver

Donald Backs South African Pacers To Deliver

Allan Donald is giving his fast bowlers every chance of success in Australia

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South Africa's bowling coach Allan Donald s putting his full confidence and support behind the trio of fast bowlers who have been picked to take on Australia.

The Proteas begin their tour with a three-day game against a strong Australia 'A' side in Sydney on a pitch that is far bouncier than Donald remembers from his previous visit.

"It’s my first time back here since 2001 and it looks like the wickets have got a lot bouncier than they used to be," he said. "The SCG is normally a good wicket to bat on and in a three-day game you never know what to expect.

"The biggest key for us is to hit the ground running, it is a good Australian A side we are playing against and we are looking forward to it."

Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander make up an enviable triumvurate of pace bowling options for captain Graeme Smith to choose from and Donald has given them a vote of confidence.

"They have been bowling together for some time. The momentum has been built over the last couple of years and the consistency in selection has helped. It is nice to have a group of guys who know what they are about and coming to Australia is as big as it gets."

Although Steyn and Morkel have been on the international scene for some time, Philander's rise to become one of the leading bowlers in Test cricket over the last 12 months has been remarkable.

It has taken him just 10 Test matches to take 63 wickets at an average of 15.96 including seven five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket hauls.

"It’s the telling length that he bowls consistently," Donald said when asked about Philander. "He never goes away and he locks you away as a batsman; you almost feel like you have to play at every delivery. If there is a bit of assistance in the wicket then he becomes even more of a handful."

Donald himself is well qualified to comment on any fast bowler's credentials, having himself taken 330 wickets in 72 Tests at an average of 22.25.

South Africa begin their tour game in Sydney on Friday 2nd November.

© Cricket World 2012