Allan Donald is a South African former cricketer. Often nicknamed ‘White Lightning’ due to his lightning-fast bowling, he is considered to be one of the most successful fast bowlers in the South African national cricket team.
No South African player, past or present, is more respected by the public and his peers than Donald, the first bowler to take 300 Test wickets for his country. After retirement, he transferred his vast knowledge of fast bowling to the commentary box and with coaching.
Allan Donald named his all-time XI which included five Australians, four West Indies, and two South Africans.
His all-time xi innings were opened by two of Australia’s greats, Matthew Hayden and Justin Lagner.
“Two opening batsmen would be Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer. Two partners that have batted for a very long time together. Great understanding. Mentally very strong.”
As the number 3 batsman, he named one of South Africa’s best all-rounders, Jacques Kallis, saying “Probably the best cricketer of all time, arguably Jacques Kallis”.
Also named two West Indies legends for No. 4 and 5 positions. He called Brian Lara, “Genius with a bat, Absolutely wonderful for to watching.”
Sir Vivian Richard was nominated for number 5 and he was also the captain of his team. Alan Donald introduced Sir Vivian Richard as,
“One of my all-time greats. as a little boy Growing up watching this man and captain of this team, Sir Vivian Richards.”
Also, AB de Villiers of South Africa and Adam Gilchrist of Australia were named for number 6 and 7 and, he called them,
“One of the all-time greats AB de Villiers. Can also double up as a wicketkeeper, but has explosive power in the middle order. Number seven. Adam Gilchrist. A very dynamic player, fast scorer, Can take a game away from you at any time.”
Donald named three fast bowlers in his all-time XI along with one spinner and the gretest Shane Warne as his only spinner.
“The great Shane Warne. There’s no doubt about it. The greatest leg spinner that’s ever played the games.”
His pace bowlers were former West Indies player legendary Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, and Australia’s Glenn McGrath.
“Number nine, grew up watching this guy for a very long time, Malcolm Marshall. Number ten. Another West Indian long Lanky Curtly Ambrose. Fantastic fastballer. Got it. Number eleven from Australia, Glenn McGrath.”
Here is his all-time xi: Matthew Hayden, Justin Lagner Jacques Kallis, Brian Lara, Sir Vivian Richard, AB de Villiers, Shane Warne, Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, and Australia’s Glenn McGrath.
Replace Gilchrist with Ponting. AB Devillers, Wkpr/Batsman