Donald reveals England aspirations
Donald worked with England in 2007
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Wednesday, 03, Feb 2010 03:58
By Will Haine.
South Africa bowling legend Allan Donald has declared his interest in England's vacant bowling coach position after the departure of Ottis Gibson.
The England and Wales Cricket Board are on the hunt for a replacement to Gibson after he resigned from the post he had held since 2007 to take up head coach responsibilities with his native West Indies.
Donald took 330 wickets in an illustrious 72 Test career, and experienced life as the England bowling supremo for a limited time three years ago, but was forced to refuse the full-time post due to personal reasons. He has since gained experience working in a similar position with Warwickshire.
However, the 43-year-old told Sky Sports that, although he has yet to make any contact with the ECB, it would be "silly" not to consider applying for the role.
"In 2007 I really enjoyed the time I spent with the England cricket team and I really enjoyed being involved with the elite cricketers that are going around at the moment," he said.
"Obviously I would be silly not to consider the position, I'd think it over, it's a great challenge for any coach at this level and also working with England at this level would be immensely challenging.
"I would definitely make contact with the ECB at some stage and I'm sure that I would be throwing my name in the hat - absolutely."
Although several names have been mooted in relation to the position, Donald's previous experience of working alongside England's technical director Andy Flower, when both were coaches under the stewardship of Peter Moores, will see him ranked as one of the favourites to win the race to the vacant post.
And it is a post that excites Donald, who sees the England team moving onwards and upwards over the months and years to come.
"You could see Ottis has been working very hard and he has got a lot of discipline and toughness in these guys and obviously the new skills he has implemented," he added.
"(James) Anderson has become a quality bowler, so has (Stuart) Broad. Not only the bowling unit but also the cricket team itself is becoming a solid one as well.
"A lot has been spoken about them in the South Africa media, good things that is, and I think that they are destined for some big stuff ahead."