10:43am Thursday 4th February 2010
ALLAN DONALD has declared his interest in becoming England’s next fast bowling coach.
The former South Africa paceman has been widely tipped to fill the post vacated by Ottis Gibson, who was appointed West Indies head coach on Tuesday.
Donald, 43, had a brief spell in the role three years ago, but while he felt unable to commit long term for personal reasons back then, he now claims to be ready.
Donald said: “In 2007, I really enjoyed the four months I spent with the England cricket team, I learnt a lot.
“It is an environment I really enjoyed being in, working with elite cricketers.
“I’d be silly to not consider the position. I will obviously think it over, but it is a great challenge for any coach.
“If I did make contact with the ECB at some stage I’m sure that I would be throwing my name in the hat, absolutely.
“In 2007, my little boy went through a very tough time and I had to abort that. It would have been very foolish of me to go touring around the world when he was struggling at school and having health problems.
“At the moment, everything is fine and I think I am just about ready to get back into it full time.”
Another previous incumbent, Kevin Shine, who still works at the ECB at developmental level, has also been linked with a return to the post.
Former England seamers Darren Gough, Phil DeFreitas and Steve Watkin have been mentioned too, along with ex-South Africa captain Shaun Pollock and the highlyregarded one-time Essex player Ian Pont.
Donald feels whoever gets the job will get the chance to work with some fine players.
He said: “You can see Ottis has been working very hard.
He has got a lot of discipline and toughness among these guys.”
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