Donald appointed Aus bowling coach for SL tour

Cricket Australia have confirmed that former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald will be the national side's bowling coach for their tour to Sri Lanka later this year.

Donald was the Proteas' bowling coach from 2011 until after the 2015 World Cup and is currently working with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

The former right-arm seamer also had stints as a bowling consultant with the England and New Zealand national teams and it is thought that Donald was chosen because of his expertiseof bowling in Asian conditions.

Donald, who took 330 wickets in 72 Tests, said of bowling on the subcontinent: "From a Test match point of view you need to be using that new ball and using it really well, and being very disciplined.  

"You take the conditions, not only the pitch but the heat the players have got to deal with, the humidity and that sort of thing but reverse swing is massive in the subcontinent.

"I've played enough against Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis to know what it takes to be able to execute that, it's a massive key.

"I certainly want to take reverse swing to another level – I think Australia have done it pretty well but I think there's a lot more to it and a lot more skill to take a lot further. That for me is going to be a massive skill over there.

"To take 20 wickets over there you'll need patience, discipline and skill, but reverse swing will be a massive key to making that happen."

The Aussies are looking for permanent bowling coach after Craig McDermott left the post after the recent World T20 in India.

Australia will play three Tests, five ODIs and two T20Is in Sri Lanka with first Test starting in Pallekele on 26 July.

Latest