Australia eye S.Africa great Donald as bowling coach

South Africa fast bowling great Allan Donald will join Australia as bowling coach for their tour of Sri Lanka this year, local media reported on Wednesday.

The 49-year-old, who took 330 test wickets at an outstanding average of 22.25, could then stay on as part of Australia's coaching team for their home series against Pakistan and South Africa, News Ltd media said.

Cricket Australia were not immediately available to provide comment.

Craig McDermott, who helped guide Australia to victory in last year's World Cup and a 5-0 whitewash of England in the last Ashes series on home soil, stepped down as bowling coach after the World Twenty20 in India.

Donald, nicknamed 'White Lightning' during a 72-test career from 1992-2002, stepped down as bowling coach of South Africa a year ago, after four years mentoring the Proteas' feared pace battery of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel.

After Australia's two-test tour of Sri Lanka in July and August, Donald was expected to remain in the post for a one-day series in South Africa, News said.

Earlier this month, Cricket Australia announced the appointment of Western Australia bowling coach Adam Griffith for a one-day triangular series against South Africa and West Indies in June.

Justin Langer is to guide the side in the Caribbean to give regular head coach Darren Lehmann a break before the Sri Lanka tour.