Steve Waugh, McGrath salute Donald

Australian Test captain Steve Waugh and leading fast bowler Glenn McGrath saluted the achievements of South Africa's Allan Donald after the paceman announced his retirement from test cricket on Monday.

The pair have crossed swords with Donald for nearly a decade and both were full of praise for the 35-year-old who took 330 wickets in 72 tests.

"Allan has always been a highly respected opponent, a world class bowler and always a huge threat," Waugh told Reuters.

"Two battles stand out in my mind. An over he bowled to me at Centurion when he hit me four times and the time Mark (Waugh) and myself batted against him in the Sydney Test in 1998.

"I always valued playing against him because I knew it was a formidable challenge - he was top class."

Donald, the only South African so far to take 300 Test wickets, pulled a hamstring on the first day of the first Test against Australia at the Wanderers on Friday. South Africa lost the match by a record innings and 360-runs.

"We have always got on really well and it is sad to see him go in these circumstances," said McGrath.

"He is probably one of the best bowlers South African cricket has ever produced.

"He's a guy I've always admired and enjoyed and someone whose career has been similar to mine.

"We have often been in touch when either of us has reached a landmark and he has been an outstanding performer it's as simple as that."

Mail Cricket Editor