MELBOURNE, (Reuters) – Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald will join Australia as their bowling coach for their tour of Sri Lanka, Cricket Australia (CA) said yesterday.
The appointment was not permanent, the organisation added, though Donald, who captured 330 test wickets in his 10-year career for the Proteas, said he would be keen to succeed former coach Craig McDermott on a long-term basis.
“If it does happen to be a long-term thing, then I would absolutely love to do that,” Donald told Cricket Australia’s website (www.cricket.com.au).
“There’s no question about it. I would love to work with Boof (head coach Darren Lehmann) and his team, without a shadow of doubt.” Former Australia fast bowler McDermott stepped down after the World Twenty20 tournament in India and the team is still searching for a permanent replacement. Local media reported last week that Lehmann had sounded out Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie, a former Australia fast bowler, about joining his group. Cricket Australia have said they hope to make a decision on a permanent appointment before Australia’s international programme at home, which starts in early November, against South Africa.
West Australia bowling coach Adam Griffith is joining the team for their triangular limited overs series against West Indies and South Africa in the Caribbean in June.