Donald keen on England coaching role

PA Sport - Wed, 03 Feb 13:44:00 2010

Allan Donald has declared his interest in becoming England's next fast bowling coach.

Allan Donald England - 0

The former South Africa paceman has been widely tipped to fill the post vacated by Ottis Gibson, who was appointed West Indies head coach on Tuesday, after having a brief spell in the role three years ago.

Donald told Sky Sports News: "In 2007 I really enjoyed the four months I spent with the England cricket team, I learnt a lot. It is an environment I really enjoyed being in, working with elite cricketers. I'd be silly to not consider the position. I will obviously think it over but it is a great challenge for any coach."

He added: "If I did make contact with the ECB at some stage I'm sure that I would be throwing my name in the hat, absolutely.

"In 2007 my little boy went through a very tough time and I had to abort that. It would have been very foolish of me to go touring around the world when he was struggling at school and having health problems.

"At the moment everything is fine and I think I am just about ready to get back into it full time."

Another previous incumbent, Kevin Shine, who still works at the ECB at developmental level, has also been linked with a return to the post.

Former England seamers Darren Gough, Phil DeFreitas and Steve Watkin have been mentioned too, along with ex-South Africa captain Shaun Pollock and the highly-regarded one-time Essex player Ian Pont.

PA Sport

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  1. Ian Pont is the ''Troy Cooley'' is that­ list and comes with an amazing understanding of how to­ squeeze the best out of bowlers (he worked with Dale­ Steyn and Darren Gough). Since Cooley proved that the­ best coaches are not the best players and are often not­ well-known because they do work behind the headlines,­ Pont is someone in for the long haul, as he's­ English. And unlike Donald, Gibson and Cooley,­ isn't likely to use the job as a stepping­ stone.

    Let's choose the best coach with the­ greatest knowledge of how to develop our clearly­ talented attack.

    From Albert, on Fri 5 Feb 6:27

  2. England ....... Just list them as South African­ RESERVES !! he he

    From Perfidious Albion, on Thu 4 Feb 10:24

  3. another south african to guide the english!!!!!!!!

    From Imtiyaaz, on Thu 4 Feb 9:25

  4. Would be a great move if Donald or Pollock became­ coach. Both world class bowlers unlike Gibson. Just as­ long as whoever comes in doesn't "coach"­ any natural abilities out of our guys and just get them­ to bowl line and length with a few surprise­ deliveries.
    Wouldn't mind Gough but forget the­ others mentioned above.

    From KAREN, on Thu 4 Feb 8:40

  5. If there is any sense at the the ECB they will mover­ very quickly on getting Donald signed up for the­ England team. He proved in his initial stint with the­ England team that he can have an effect on the team,­ and it was a massive blow when England didn't­ extend his inital contract. Whatever he wants, give it­ to him, as he is worth his weight in gold.

    The only­ way to win a test match is to take 20 wickets. With AD­ helping, England could be in a position to make great­ strides forward and possibly retain the Ashes in Aus­ later in the year.

    From Craig, on Thu 4 Feb 8:40
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