Donald itches to bowl Sachin out again

Injured South African pace bowler Allan Donald expressed frustration at being unable to bowl to India's star batsman Sachin Tendulkar in the first match of three Tests in Bloemfontein.

Donald, who has been out of most of South Africa's international games for months now because of repeated injury and illness, donned a suit and tie to watch the Test as he took on the new mantle of commentator for television.

But as Tendulkar hammered away to reach 155 in the opening innings Saturday, Donald, who has bowled out the diminutive powerhouse three times and got him LBW (leg before wicket) twice, said he felt like running onto the field instead.

"When (Tendulkar) starts batting like that and is already past his century, you're not going to get him out easily," said the seasoned paceman. "But he is also human, and will make errors. He gets out the most when the ball comes back at him. Then you can bowl him through the gate or he gets caught out."

Teammate Makhaya Ntini must have heeded Donald's advice, because he eventually succeeded in getting Tendulkar out.

"It's not at all nice to just sit and watch," Donald said. "I'd rather be out on the field. But the commentating work is keeping me out of mischief."

With questions being asked about Donald's future in the national side because of the bad luck that has dogged him, he is hopeful he will realise his dream of playing against Australia in a home and away series next month.

India's tour of South Africa : Complete coverage

--Indo-Asian News Service

Mail Cricket Editor