Former fast bowler Allan Donald is eager to see pace ace Dale Steyn become South Africa’s leading Test wicket-taker in front of his home crowd.

Steyn currently has as many wickets (421) as former all-rounder Shaun Pollock, and will be afforded the chance to surpass the record in this week’s series opener against Pakistan at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

‘I think Dale will experience something similar to what I had in 2002 when I came out against New Zealand in Bloemfontein and had the opportunity to get to 300 wickets,’ Donald, nicknamed White Lightning in his playing days, told Netwerk24.

‘Centurion is where he learnt everything about cricket. It’s going to be incredible, especially because he is bowling so well again.

‘To do it in front of his friends and family will be a great story, and hopefully there will be a lot of people there.’

Steyn, nicknamed the Phalaborwa Express, has taken 47 wickets in 10 Tests against Pakistan. He has only taken more against the West Indies and Australia.

He will be part of a seam attack minus the services of all-rounder Vernon Philander and the young Lungi Ngidi in Centurion. Both have been sidelined by injury.

The Proteas will likely select the inexperienced Duanne Olivier or uncapped Dane Paterson to replace Philander, who has been sidelined for one match. Ngidi has been ruled out of the whole three-match series.

Photo: Gallo