Cricket: NZ face 'Lightning' as Donald eyes return

By RICHARD BOOCK

Injured South African fast-bowler Allan Donald has the New Zealand cricketers in his sights as he ponders a return to the test arena.

The man known as White Lightning told a packed press conference at Centurion Park of his decision to take a break from international cricket - but hopes to return strongly next summer when New Zealand play three tests in the Republic.

The 33-year-old right-armer, who is not playing in the fifth and final test against England because of gout in his big right toe, is just 10 wickets short of becoming the 14th player in history to take 300 test wickets, and says he is not yet ready to retire.

Donald said he wanted to take a complete break from international cricket after the forthcoming triangular one-day series with England and Zimbabwe in South Africa, and would instead accept a one-year playing contract from English county Warwickshire.

That would mean missing the looming tour of India, a home-and-away one-day showdown with World Cup champions Australia in April and August, and a tour of Sri Lanka in July and August.

However, United Cricket Board of South Africa boss Ali Bacher hopes that Donald may still recover in time to be available for the tour of India, where both the paceman and the South African team could create a piece history.

"Very few teams have been able to beat India in their own country but I believe the current side has that opportunity, especially if a committed Allan Donald is part of the team," Bacher said.

Donald said he had agreed to delay making a final decision and would inform the selectors of his availability in about two weeks. The team departs for India on February 16.

At the start of the season he had aimed to take 35 wickets in seven tests to reach the target of 300. He took only three in two matches against Zimbabwe, but snared 22 in four tests against England before having to withdraw from the fifth test.

He has taken 290 wickets in 60 tests at an average of 21. 66.

* Persistent rain washed out the second day of the fifth test on Saturday. South Africa were 155-6 after the first day.