Donald: Too many bowlers a 'good headache'

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Cricket365
August 25, 2014

South Africa bowling coach Allan Donald believes the bowling depth exposed during the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe has given the Proteas' brains trust 'good headaches' ahead of the triangular series in Harare.

Wayne Parnell, Kyle Abbott, Marchant de Lange and Mthokozisi Shezi all put in noteworthy performances during the series. However, the return of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel opened up an interesting selection conundrum ahead of the Proteas' opening match on Wednesday against Australia.

"The coach and captain will need to make the decision as to who comes in for Vernon (Philander)," Donald said in Harare on Sunday. "That's a good headache to have.

"We have a lot to play with, luckily I don't have to make the calls but I think that Russell (Domingo) has some good problems."

The former Proteas fast bowler welcomed the return of speedsters Steyn and Morkel, and was full of praise for their worthy replacements during the ODI series against Zimbabwe.

"They (Steyn and Morkel) had a long series in Sri Lanka and thoroughly deserved their break," Donald said. "Their batteries are recharged and ready to go. I'm looking forward to our first training session back tomorrow after a three-day break."

"Kyle Abbott came in and bowled beautifully in the three ODI's," he added. "He bowled with great skill, he is in a great space at the moment. I think he deserves his chance; Marchant de Lange's time will come too."

"He (De Lange) has been through a long arduous rebuilding and restructuring of his action and when he came here he was hungry," Donald said. "He bowled really quickly, very close to the 150 km/h mark and with some shape on it too.

"If you look at the bowling depth that we have, we really have some nice headaches. He is another one that has put his hand and will say 'pick me for the World Cup'."

Donald expects another tough contest against stern rivals Australia on Wednesday, fueled by the aggression and pace of past encounters.

"You have quality fast bowlers on show for this triangular series," he said. "I think we all know, if we go back to the Test series earlier this year, how brutal and hard it was between all of them.

"I think everyone will be looking to get the first blows in early. It's not every day that you get to see some of the world's best fast bowlers on show in one country."