An open letter to Allan Donald

Dear Sling,

You know mate, being an Aussie I really shouldn’t be writing you this letter but hey, I like you, and have always admired your good old-fashioned guts and determination.

I sense you are in a quandary as to your playing future. Not so long ago, during the infamous Test against England at SuperSport Park, you wanted out.

A few months ago you wanted out again, this time of Test cricket.

Now I see you are thinking of changing your mind and considering playing against the Australians at the end of the year. I love the logic of fast bowlers!

If I was to be purely patriotic and thinking with my head, which I always do, I’d be saying get out now Allan!

Imagine the combined sigh of relief coming from the engine room of the Australian batting line-up on confirmation of that news. I reckon they would consider that some 40% of the South African bowling potency has disappeared.

That should be enough to get you going again. There is not one batsman in world cricket that does not respect your ability.

If this alone is not enough to get your competitive juices going, I want to plant a few memories in your mind. Let’s roll back the years and recall that classic half hour when you bombed Steve Waugh with all you had at SuperSport Park. As per normal, he didn’t shirk the confrontation and you gave him everything you had.

What a memory! He even paid you tribute in an aftermatch interview. Those comments from him are as rare Nasser Hussain not breaking a finger in a Test. I’ve got a copy of that battle neatly logged away in my archive of ‘ Test cricket at its best’.

And another archived memory features a little bit of ‘chin music’ between you and Athers at Trent Bridge in 1998.

How are you feeling so far - ready for action again? Three tapes fill up the space marked 'Donald trying to maim Lara'

And do you remember your onslaught against Tubby Taylor at the M.C.G. in 1994?

You also woke Port Elizabeth up (tough call, I know) when you showed Curtley Ambrose who was boss after he worked you over when you batted.

You have provided me with some of the best examples of what test cricket is all about – tough, unforgiving 'balls to the wall' stuff.

You’re not finished yet. There are few greater sights than ‘White Lightning’ in full cry. I rate it right up there with my very fond memories of the great D.K. Lillee screaming in off his long run – and that’s saying something!

Imagine the pride you would get out of ‘White Lightning’ and ‘Black Thunder’ Ngam doing damage in tandem on Boxing Day at the M.C.G. later this year.

Anyway, I’ve said far too much. I still have friends in Aussie, they might see this and I’ve got too many bets waging on the ‘Showdown for the Test Crown’.

In fact, come to think of it, I need to take Darren Scott’s money so my final piece of advice is you’ve done it all. I couldn’t think of a better time for you to officially hang up those size tens than right now.

Thanks for the classic memories – my tapes will keep – enjoy your retirement!!

Your mate,

Mike Haysman

P.S. I reckon I know you well enough mate. Good luck against the Aussies!