It turns out we now have serious competition for the use of Allan Donald's coaching services. Cricket Australia have shortlisted Mr.Lightning as a candidate and interviewed him during their final round of selection.
Donald was apparently contracted on a short-term basis till the end of the World Cup, and according to this article The Kiwis have made a verbal offer to Donald but are yet to receive a reply, though a New Zealand Cricket spokesman said discussions were "progressing positively".
Well, the obvious question would be why a "verbal" offer and not an official binding one, straight after the World Cup? NZ haven't had much luck in attracting top coaching personnel in recent years, so surely the men in suits should have moved in to secure the services of someone who turned things around for our attack in a short space of time. Disappointing as usual from Justin Vaughan and the management, though Donald could still be retained.
For further evidence of why NZ should do all they can to retain Donald, here's an excellent and revealing interview with the big man during the World Cup. When reverse swing is barely mentioned in team discussions (as was the case apparently before AD joined in), you know your bowling unit needs help. The impact on Tim Southee is there for all to see. We will be touring a somewhat vulnerable Australia later in the year, and it would hurt big time if Donald is working his magic with their bowlers instead.
No comments:
Post a Comment