http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Gary-Kirsten-c58527
Former Proteas pacer, Allan Donald, has revealed that he accepted the South African bowling coach post just because of his compatriot, Gary Kirsten.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) recently appointed Kirsten as head coach of the national team for the next couple of years. Donald, who earlier turned down http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754’s offer for the position of consultant post, was also given the responsibility to coach South
African bowlers.
Expressing his delight over his fresh job for his native side, the newly-appointed bowling coach has made it clear that had someone other than Kirsten asked him to do the job, he would have never accepted the offer.
"It was the happiest moment of my life when Gary called me (about ten days earlier). It has always been my dream to work with my own people. It felt like the call I got in 1991 from Dr http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757)
to say that I would be playing against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750,” said Donald.
The 44-year-old former fast bowler added, "I would probably not have agreed if someone else was in charge. We are old friends. We played together for a long time. (Kirsten) treats people like people."
Kirsten stepped down as Indian coach after guiding the Men in Blue to their historic World Cup triumph in 28 years. In his fantastic coaching stint, the Indian team not only sealed an emphatic victory in the ICC World Cup 2011 but also secured the top position
in the International Cricket Council (http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625) Test and One Day International (ODI) rankings.
Donald termed the opportunity of working under Kirsten as a great honour for him. After making his debut in 1991, Donald served South Africa in 72 Test and 164 ODIs. Donald disclosed the fact that he was almost ready to leave for New Zealand for his stint
as bowling coach but he could not refuse Kirsten.
"It took me all but half a second to say `yes`," shared the former right-arm paceman.
Donald’s first big challenge will be to prepare the Proteas for the upcoming Test and ODI home series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746, scheduled in October, 2011.
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