Donald calls time on county for country

The Warwickshire paceman, Allan Donald, has confirmed that he is to quit county cricket at the end of the season - and has set his sights on playing for South Africa in the 2003 World Cup.

The Warwickshire paceman, Allan Donald, has confirmed that he is to quit county cricket at the end of the season - and has set his sights on playing for South Africa in the 2003 World Cup.

Donald, 33, showed what a potent force he still is when he picked up the man of the match award after returning figures of 2 for 7 off six overs, in the Bears' NatWest Trophy final defeat by Gloucestershire on Sunday.

But Donald, who has been troubled by an ankle injury of late, knows his body can no longer cope with the demands of playing all year round and is keen to give the remaining years of his career to his country.

Donald said: "I think that was pretty much my last big game for Warwickshire at Lord's. I'd love to be at the World Cup in 2003, but to give myself that chance to stay fit I have to cut down on playing county cricket and rest up a bit more.

"I've had a fantastic time at Warwickshire. In my opinion it's the best county in the UK but all great things have to come to an end at some stage.

"I was stunned to lose on Sunday but I think the future is optimistic at the club. There is some good young talent coming through. Those players just need to believe in their own ability," Donald said.