‘It was very much about going after him’ – Allan Donald opens up on his battles with Sachin Tendulkar

Allan Donald & Sachin Tendulkar. (Photo Source: Pankaj Nangia, Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

India and England will take on each other in a five-match Test series beginning from January 25 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. England will have a herculean task of replicating their success against India in 2012 as they were the last team to beat them at their home in a Test series. Hence, the England bowling attack will have to deliver for their side across five matches to script a historic win.

Ahead of the all-important series, former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald opened up about the challenges of bowling in India. The 57-year-old highlighted the importance of attacking the stumps and also revealed how he used to attack the legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar in his playing days.

Also Read: ‘It’s like a golf swing’ – Allan Donald dissects Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling action

“The first thing we always talked about was importance of the first 25 to 30 overs with the new ball. The length was always going to be slightly fuller attacking the stumps. Setting straighter fields straightaway, we knew there wasn’t going to be any carry in the pitch so (it was all about) bringing the stumps into play almost every ball. When Tendulkar was at the crease it was very much about go after him. Just go and attack. Don’t worry too much about going for runs,” said Donald in an interaction arranged by the SA20.

Notably, Donald has a phenomenal record in India having 17 wickets to his name from seven innings at an average of 16.11 and an economy of 2.25. He was a part of the South African team which beat them 2-0 in 2000. Further speaking ahead, Donald revealed South Africa’s plans of bowling short spells of fast bowling which led to their success.

“Bowling in India is the toughest thing you will ever go through, there is no question about it and when partnerships get long or the ball doesn’t swing when it gets older, it will test everything in your mental make up. It is just tough, it really is hard as a seamer. But for us, Hansie and Bob always sat down and picked impact bowlers. Guys who can bowl fast and quick for shorter periods of time knowing you have got couple of spinners up your back,” he added.

Also Read: ‘Only person I know who played us well was Tendulkar’ – Allan Donald talks of India’s struggles to bat in South Africa

England haven’t lost a Test series under Ben Stokes’ leadership

The upcoming India vs England series will be an enthralling affair for the fans as it will be the toughest test of England’s ‘Bazball’ style of play against the vicious turning tracks in India. Notably, England haven’t lost a Test series ever since head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes took over and will have to play out of their skins to defend their unbeaten record at home.