Internet Desk: Cricket Australia has appointed South African bowling great Allan Donald as the bowling coach on a temporary basis. Donald, whose speed saw him nicknamed ‘White Lightning’ has replaced Craig McDermott who stepped down as bowling coach at the end of World T20 in India.
The South African, who has previously coached with England, New Zealand and South Africa is expected to oversee Australia’s attack on their tour of Sri Lanka later this year.
He could then stay on for the summer series against South Africa, according to a report in Sydney Daily Telegraph.
Cricket Australia, who have drafted in ex-Tasmania fast bowler Adam Griffith to help out on the tour of the West Indies in June, have yet to confirm the appointment.
Donald took 330 Test and 272 one-day international wickets during an illustrious career for South Africa that spanned 10 years. He is credited with helping the development of speedsters Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander and has worked in the past with Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc in the Indian Premier League.
Cricket Australia is in talks with another former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie for a full-time replacement for McDermott. Gillespie is presently the head coach of English county Yorkshire.
Meanwhile, Australian fast bowler John Hastings was ruled out of the upcoming one-day tri-series tour of the West Indies with an ankle injury and will be replaced by Scott Boland.
Hastings, representing Kolkata Knight Riders hurt his ankle during the Indian Premier League match against Mumbai Indians and returned home for scans which revealed he needed surgery to remove bone spurs.
“John had this surgery over the weekend and now requires a period of rest to resolve the bone stress and recover from surgery before he will resume bowling,” said Cricket Australia medical official Alex Kountouris.
Scott Boland joins a pace attack that also features Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Coulter-Nile.
Australia begin the tri-series in Guyana on June 6 against South Africa before facing the hosts four days later at the same venue.The round-robin tournament sees teams play three matches against each opponent, with the top two advancing to the final on June 26 in Barbados.