Before Dale Steyn, the Proteas used to have Allan ‘White Lightning’ Donald in the early 90s.
Considered one of South Africa’s most successful fast bowlers, the ex-fast bowler from Bloemfontein took over 600 international wickets. He played in four different World Cups for the Proteas and was also the country’s leading wicket-taker at one point.
Many will remember Allan Donald as a bowler with zinc cream on his cheeks and nose. His menacing pace and stare scared many batsmen across the world during his peak years.
Although he is one of the most successful fast bowlers in the country, when fans talk about Donald, most often, his infamous runout during South Africa’s loss in the 1999 World Cup semi-final is the first thing in mind.
Allan Donald’s runout is still talked about
In the semi-final match against Australia, which is dubbed ‘the greatest World Cup match’ in history, the Proteas needed to win to reach their first-ever WC final. The Aussies batted first and were restricted to just 213.
The Proteas battled to the total and in the final two overs, Donald was called to bat alongside Lance Klusener. The former SA all-rounder had put his country in a respectable position to win the match,
Aussie’s Damien Fleming was tasked with the ball in the final over and his first two deliveries were smashed for four by Klusener. With one run needed, the game was in Proteas hands but the unthinkable happened.
The third ball from Fleming was hit viciously by Klusener but went straight to a field at mid-on. Zulu sprinted down the pitch after hitting the ball, but Donald, at the other end, was watching the ball.
Fleming rolled the ball to Adam Gilchrist to hit the stumps and send Australia to the final. The Aussies will go on and win the tournament while many South Africans blamed Allan Donald for the painful loss which is still felt today.
Klusener and Donald’s miscommunication still hurts
After the semi-final, his reputation started to take a hit among fans. Although he played for three more years, he eventually retired from the game due to a flow of injuries.
After retirement, the White Lightning went into coaching and in 2007, was appointed as a temporary bowling consultant for the England cricket team. After that, he joined New Zealand as their bowling coach but left the side in 2011.
Allan Donald returned to the Proteas to join Gary Kirsten’s coaching team as bowling coach. He remained with the team until the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Since then, he has coached in England, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and in the Indian Premier League(IPL).
Last month, it was announced that Allan Donald was appointed as the bowling coach of Durban’s Super Giants for the SA20 2025.
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