Cricket: Donald snubs NZC offer

Alan Donald was the bowling coach for the Black Caps during the 2011 World Cup. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have been blindsided by former South African great Allan Donald's decision to turn down a contract offer in favour of a return to his home country.

NZC today announced that Donald, who has worked with the New Zealand team as a bowling coach since January this year and received nothing but rave reviews, had withdrawn from his role, advising the national body he was seeking a position with Cricket South Africa.

Despite verbally agreeing terms and committing to the role, Donald contacted NZC this weekend and advised them of his change of heart.

In his limited time with the team, Donald had been credited with making major strides with the bowlers and had clearly won the respect of all those who dealt with him.

Players were effusive in their praise of the former quick, who was also credited for playing a major part in New Zealand's charge to the semifinals at the one-day World Cup in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in February-March.

NZC had targeted his re-signing as a key appointment, but they will now have to start from scratch.

NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan described Donald's decision as disappointing.

"We did everything possible to retain Allan but it is understandable that a role in South Africa would be attractive to both him and his family," he said.

"Unfortunately that is the nature of professional sport and although I understand the reasons for Allan's decision, it is disappointing considering the positive discussions we had with Allan about moving to New Zealand and his desire to work with the Black Caps.

"It is also a disappointment as he contributed well during the 10-week stint he had with the team earlier in the year.

"But there's no point dwelling on it - we have to focus on the future. I'm sure there are a number of well qualified bowling coaches interested in the role and I know (coach) John Wright is confident of finding a really good replacement for Allan."

- NZPA