Cricket
AD wishes the Proteas all the best─── 08:32 Wed, 15 Apr 2015
South African bowling great and former Proteas bowling coach, Allan Donald has thanked all the role players concerned following yesterdays’ announcement that he is stepping down from his role in the national side.
Even before the 2015 ICC World Cup there was speculation that the aggressive former fast bowler would call it a day on his time at the Proteas.
Yesterday, Proteas all-rounder Ryan McLaren told OFM Sport that it was a dream playing under both Donald and Gary Kirsten, who were his childhood heroes.
The Bloemfontein born and bred legend wished AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis and the rest of the boys all the best for their future endeavours.
“I have had some time to reflect after the World Cup and have come to the conclusion that the time is right to move on,” he said.
“It was always a big dream of mine to work in the South African cricket environment after my playing days and I was incredibly honoured to be given the opportunity. The last four years have been the best of my life and being involved with the Proteas in the 2015 Cricket World Cup was a goal I had set my sights on.
“I was blessed to have worked with the best bowling attack in the world over a four year period and leave with fond memories and experiences, particularly getting to the top of the ICC Test rankings. I have a lot of respect for the environment and culture that the players have created and I have no doubt that it will continue to grow under the leadership of Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis.
“Lastly, I'd like to thank my family for their unconditional support throughout the hustle and bustle of international sport. All the best to Russell and the rest of the team. May the Proteas go from strength to strength and I will be following their journey with great interest.”
In 72 test matches, Witblits claimed 330 wickets at an average of 22.25 with the best figures in an innings of 71/8, and he claimed a further 1216 scalps in first class cricket.
Morgan Piek / OFM News
