Testing battles on cards

MICHAEL FINCH

JOHANNESBURG, NOV 24: One of cricket's greatest rivalries will resume tomorrow when South Africa attempt to extend their winning streak to four in a row in the first Test against England at The Wanderers. At the heart of the confrontation will be the battle between England opener Mike Atherton and South African paceman Allan Donald, who many believe hold the key to outcome of the five match series. It was at The Wanderers in the 1995/96 season that Atherton won the first round of a four-year battle with Donald, as he scored an unbeaten 185 to help England save the second Test. Although South Africa went on to win the five match series 1-0, Atherton remained South Africa's Achilles Heel.

During the fourth Test of the 1998 series in England, Atherton and Mark Butcher saw off one of the best spells of fast bowling ever seen from Donald to help England win the match. England went on to take the final Test and the series 2-1.

Atherton and Donald admitted this week that they were relishing the opportunity to renew their on-the-field battles, but maintained that they were still friends off the field. ``That's what it's all about,'' Donald said. ``Out on the field we play it hard but I don't see why we shouldn't be able to have a chat and a beer afterwards.'' The expected battle looked in doubt earlier this week when Donald arrived in Johannesburg suffering from a side strain. But yesterday, put through paces by coach Graham Ford, he passed a fitness test with flying colours. ``daai Engelse gaan kak (those Englishmen are going to suffer),'' he quipped.

--(Reuters)

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