TELFORD VICE, Centurion | Saturday 6.00pm.
The third day was rained out
SOUTH African cricket is facing up to the prospect of Allan Donald and Daryll Cullinan playing a reduced part in the future.
As rain washed out the second day of the fifth and final Test against England on Saturday, fast bowler Donald announced he would take six months off from international cricket after this season.
Donald’s decision came 24 hours after top order batsman Cullinan said he had retired from all limited overs cricket with immediate effect. In international terms, he is to be available only for Tests in future.
The news has provided the main talking point during a match that has been limited to a total of 45 overs by bad light and rain.
South Africa, who have a 2-0 winning lead in the series, are 155 for six, their first-day close score.
More rain is forecast for Sunday, although weathermen have predicted the low cloud that has hung over Centurion for the past three days will lift late on Sunday afternoon.
South Africa’s first task when the test series ends is to replace Cullinan for the triangular limited overs series with England and Zimbabwe starting next Friday.
Cullinan said he was stepping aside to allow younger players to stake their claim ahead of the 2003 World Cup, which is being staged in South Africa, and due to family reasons.
Donald, who is to return to Warwickshire in the English season later this year, said he was not turning his back on the South African team for good.
”I definitely want to play a full part in the triangular (series) with England and Zimbabwe, so I’m not just walking away,” Donald said.
”It’s a lifestyle decision above anything else. I’m not saying I’m finished, but the pace needs to change.
”I’ve still got three good years left in me and I’d like to make sure I’m playing the kind of cricket and living the kind of life I enjoy.”
Donald has yet to decide whether he will go on South Africa’s tour of India next month, but acknowledged ”the two Test matches there would be the perfect platform to try and get to 300 wickets.”
Donald, ruled out of the current Test by injury, has a total of 290 in Tests. – Reuters