Cricket: Proteas drop Donald, send Bangladesh in to bat

9.00pm

BLOEMFONTEIN - South Africa won the toss and elected to field against Bangladesh in a cricket World Cup Group B match today.

However fast bowler Alan Donald was controversially left out of South Africa's team to play Bangladesh in the cricket World Cup on Saturday in a decision which could mark the end of his career.

Donald, the only South African to take 300 test wickets, has struggled for form in the two matches he has played at the tournament, but it was widely expected he would be given one more chance on his home ground and in front of his home fans.

Donald's exclusion would appear a terminal blow to the 36-year-old fast bowler, as the South African selectors have clearly decided to place their confidence and in youth and potential over experience.

In the past week, Donald's advocates have been calling for the veteran paceman to be given time in the middle as the best way to rediscover his best form.

His place in the side went to 20 year-old fast bowler Monde Zondeki, who took a wicket with his first ball in international cricket against Sri Lanka in Bloemfontein in December.

- REUTERS

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