Donald to miss first match against Zimbabwe

South African pace bowler Allan Donald may miss out on yet another tour by his side due to fitness problems.

Donald has been sent home to Bloemfontein to recover from a bad bout of flu after battling through a practice session here over the past few days on the eve of the team's departure to neighbouring Zimbabwe.

The South Africans resume their new season with two Tests and three one-day internationals there, starting Friday.

Donald, who has been dogged by injury for months now, opted out of several international games during the last season. Initially he would have been left out of the new South African team because of his commitments in England, but he returned home and was been selected for the national squad.

Donald had a sore throat when he started the practice sessions last Wednesday, but it turned into a bad flu. On Sunday he asked to be excluded from the first match against Zimbabwe as he did not feel fit enough.

Donald also said he had not had enough practice.

Donald has consulted a physician and hopes to join his teammates for the rest of the Zimbabwe tour.

Rushdi Magiet, convenor of the national selectors, will get the selectors together Monday to choose Donald's replacement.

The South Africans leave for Zimbabwe Wednesday.