FRIDAY, 1.45PM:
ALLAN Donald, who moved to the number one spot on the Coopers and Lybrand Test ratings on Thursday, is out of the squad playing Pakistan in the opening game of the Standard Bank International triangular series at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday.
South Africa’s workhorse, Shaun Pollock will probably also be rested for the match, said South African skipper Hansie Cronje on Thursday. Cronje added: “Allan Donald will definitely not be playing — he did not come with us to Durban.”
The rest will do Donald a world of good, and Pollock must certainly be rested in view of the five-Test tour of England at the end of April. Both Donald and Pollock were over-played in the Tests against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and are carrying injuries as a result.
The new ball will be used by Roger Telemachus and Steve Elworthy in the absence of Donald and Pollock, and if the conditions are right both are able to swing the ball well. Elworthy in particular may present problems to the Pakistani batsmen.
Cronje will most certainly bowl his full 10 overs as he under-bowled himself in the Tests. Veteran off-spinner Pat Symcox will give Cronje able assistance, as will fiery Natalian Lance Klusener.
The South African’s batting looks solid, with Mike Rindel opening the innings with Gary Kirsten. Lance Klusener looks set to continue his limited-overs appearance as big-hitter at three. The South Africans bat all the way down to number 10, where Elworthy makes an appearance.
Man on form, Daryll Cullinan should be in the thick of things again, and his prowess with the blade will delight spectators.
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