Donald turns down N.Z. bowling coach job

WELLINGTON: Former South African paceman Allan Donald rejected an offer to become New Zealand's bowling coach Sunday to pursue a job in his homeland, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said.

Donald worked as the Black Caps' bowling coach for three months earlier this year and New Zealand administrators had hoped to sign him on permanently.

NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said Donald had reached a verbal agreement with the governing body but it fell through when the South African had a last-minute change of heart.

"We did everything possible to retain Allan but it is understandable that a role in South Africa would be attractive to both him and his family," Vaughan said.

"Unfortunately that is the nature of professional sport and although I understand the reasons for Allan's decision, it is disappointing."

Vaughan said he believed Donald wanted to become South Africa's bowling coach under a new Proteas management team set to be unveiled this week.

During his time with New Zealand, Donald helped to lift the Black Caps from one of the worst form slumps in their history.

Along with coach John Wright, he turned around the team's fortunes and they exceeded expectations to reach the semi-final of the World Cup in March, losing to Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011