Adam Parore: Donald terrific asset to coaching staff

Allan Donald. Photo / NZ Herald

Allan Donald is a terrific addition to the Black Caps as the fast-bowling coach.

When it comes to technical matters, I'm sure there is none better.

I had a fair bit to do with Donald when we played against South Africa, and he is a great bloke. So I'm sure he will fit in very well.

Just having someone with his experience around the camp could do wonders.

Technically, it remains to be seen what he can get out of the New Zealand bowlers.

But he will be able to help with issues such as knowing when to conserve your energy or to bowl flat out, and strategies of course.

The hot topic in world cricket is swing bowling, including the art of reverse swing.

We saw the value of this in the Ashes series, where England held a distinct advantage.

The ability to swing the ball can come down to minute adjustments in technique.

Some bowlers just have the knack and others don't.

As players fatigue through their careers, they might also lose the ability to swing the ball.

Simon Doull was one bloke we had who retained the ability to swing the ball well throughout his career.

As for the mysterious art of reverse swing, Geoff Allott was our best.

The South Africans were seen as the best reverse swing bowlers outside of Pakistan and Donald - who was frighteningly quick - knew what he was up to there.

Knowing how to do it and passing the ability on though are two different things.

The concentration these days on biomechanics, to reduce injuries, works against swing bowling as well.

But the ability to reverse swing the ball is crucial, particularly as it makes the job of getting wickets throughout an innings - including when conditions are not traditionally ideal - much easier.

If we can learn the art, our World Cup chances will increase.

We'll have to wait and see, but New Zealand Cricket has done an excellent job getting Donald on board.

• The Black Caps are apparently making selection changes during the one-day series against Pakistan to give all of their World Cup squad game time.

I'm not an outright opponent of this and you can see arguments in favour.

But as a general rule, I always preferred playing the strongest lineup.

Apart from giving you the best chance of winning, it hones the best into a unit and is also good from a public appeal point of view.