Photo Credit: SA20 League
Fast bowlers fall into two broad categories. There are those who are perpetually angry and those that can switch in an instant from the gentlest of souls into predators frothing at the mouth.
Australia’s Glenn McGrath and England’s Jimmy Anderson belong in the first camp.
Then there are those like Proteas legends Allan Donald and Dale Steyn that on the behest of their respective captains – in Donald’s case the late Hansie Cronje and Graeme Smith for Steyn – could transform instantaneously into wicket-thirsty beasts.
It is this ability that elevated them to the lofty status of arguably South Africa’s greatest ever fast bowlers.
Steyn, of course, tops the list in pure statistical terms as the Proteas’ leading Test wicket-taker, but there was so much more to him than his 439 wickets which was best illustrated through his vein-busting chainsaw trademark celebration.
Equally Donald. Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini may have greater numbers, but few could match “White Lightning” for his ability to transform the 22 yards out in the middle into a stage fit for epic theatre.
The pair share a mutual admiration for each other, especially since both are now part of the Betway SA20 coaching fraternity.
Steyn, of course, has been back-to-back Betway SA20 champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s bowling coach for the past two seasons, while Donald recently joined up with the Durban’s Super Giants for Season 3.
Having previously spent a large part of his international career under Donald’s tutelage, Steyn has not forgotten any of the wisdom once passed on to him.
“Part of my job is to inspire players. That’s what Allan did for me,” said Steyn.
“It didn’t matter where it was in the world … it was never Allan coming down to me at fine-leg and saying: ‘get your arm here’.
“It was all about us both having ‘been there and done that’. Reminding me that I could do this. The times spent at the end of the day together in the dressing room were really special.”
Both Donald and Steyn have had to curb their natural enthusiasm and overt passion for the game since transitioning into coaching though.
“In a coaching role I had to change, I had to be more passive, and I am as passionate as Dale is, but I had to find a way to be more relaxed. It’s about building relationships and being calm. And making sure that’s what between these two ears is tuned in,” Donald said.
“I’ve always said I am a mind-set coach. I am not going to tell you how to do it, but if I can persuade you to get your head somewhere else, the job is half done.”
Without any hesitation Steyn concurred with his childhood hero.
“I fully agree. Once you step out on the field, another animal almost jumps out, and you become what is needed at that time,” said Steyn.
“As a coach I am never on the field anymore. You need the players on the field to turn around and see a calm dressing room for them to do whatever they need to do on the field.
“There is a time to celebrate. To show that passion you showed on the field. But it is certainly not in the dugout.”
With the Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Durban’s Super Giants contesting the Betway SA20 final last season, there is no doubt that Steyn and Donald will aiming to inspire their respective troops to attain similar success in Season 3.
Steyn and the Sunrisers Eastern Cape will get a first crack when they host MI Cape Town in the Season 3 competition opener on January 9, 2025 at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
Donald’s DSG are in action the following day when the Pretoria Capitals travel down from the Highveld to the coast of KwaZulu-Natal to visit Kingsmead.
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Name of Author: SA20 League
SA20, officially known as the Betway SA20 for sponsorship reasons, is a Twenty20 franchise cricket tournament in South Africa organized by Cricket South Africa (CSA). First held in the 2023 season, the league features six city-based teams. Sunrisers Eastern Cape won the first two editions of the tournament.
