SA fast-bowling legend Allan Donald has been appointed as assistant to Kent’s new head coach Matt Walker for the new county season. 

The 50-year-old is regarded as one of South Africa’s all-time greats and took 330 wickets in 72 Tests played for his country and is the fourth-leading wicket-taker in South Africa’s history. He has a formidable ODI record, taking 272 wickets in 164 matches and only sits behind Shaun Pollock on the all-time list who has played 294 matches and has 387 scalps in his career.

After making his name as a player, Donald started building experience as a bowling coach for South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia. More recently, he held the role of bowling coach for the Knights, who currently sit second on the Sunfoil Series log and have the top bowler of the tournament, Duanne Olivier, who recently received a call-up to the Proteas squad.

Donald will use his experience from his playing days in England, where he enjoyed spells for Warwickshire and Worcestershire, to aid him in his first assistant role.

Donald expressed his delight on his new appointment in an interview with his former club Warwickshire.

‘I would like to thank the club for giving me this opportunity to work with this very talented group as the assistant coach,’ he said.

‘I look forward to working closely with Matt Walker and [captain] Sam Northeast in forming a very tight relationship as we plot our way through the season. There is no doubt that I’m pumped for the new season ahead and can’t wait to meet all the players and backroom staff.’

Walker said: ‘I am relishing this opportunity to work with Sam Northeast and Allan Donald to bring success to the club.’

Kent chairman George Kennedy added: ‘The addition of Allan Donald brings a fresh face and new voice to the staff who we hope will also help bring the best out of our seam attack.’