MELBOURNE — South Africa bowling coach Allan Donald says his team's biggest challenge in Sunday's World Cup blockbuster against India will be to adjust to the intimidating aura of the Melbourne Cricket Ground. More than 80,000 people, mostly India supporters, are expected to pack the iconic stadium for the key Pool B match which will almost certainly assure the winner of a place in the quarterfinals. Donald, a former fast bowler nicknamed ‘White Lightning', hoped his players would relish the occasion of playing in one of the world's most famous cricket stadiums. “You just have to walk out there, even when these stands are empty. It's an intimidating place,” the 48-year-old was quoted as saying by the Australian Associated Press Friday. “It's a home game for India. There could be almost 100,000 people here and there is going to be a lot of Indian support, so keeping the crowd quiet is going to be a big thing,” Donald added. “It's a massive game. South Africa vs. India, MCG ... this is why we play for our country.” Donald, who appeared in four World Cups from 1992 to 2003 without winning the title, hoped the current side under AB de Villiers would lift the trophy at long last. “To not be able to walk away with a medal is a bit of a sour one, but I've got no regrets,” said Donald, whose famous mix-up between the wickets with Lance Klusener in the last over of the 1999 semifinal against Australia ended South Africa's hopes of playing in the final. “Hopefully, this time around there is something waiting, but we are very patient about that process,” he added. “It's just an awesome time to be around this team. I'm very privileged. I love World Cups. They're such amazing events.” Donald took 330 Test and 272 one-day wickets during a 12-year international career which ended after a 2003 World Cup where South Africa were the main hosts. Steyn fit for India clash South Africa's premier fast bowler Dale Steyn is fit to lead their attack in a key World Cup match against India Sunday after recovering from a bout of sinusitis. “He is fine, there is nothing to be concerned about,” coach Russell Domingo said Friday, adding the bowler had gone down with a cold and ‘flu during a practice match in Christchurch ahead of the tournament. South Africa will welcome Steyn's return to full fitness for the match after he appeared out of sorts over the past two weeks. The 31-year-old bowled just seven overs in his team's first warm-up match against Sri Lanka and was rested for the second practice game against co-host New Zealand. Steyn was clearly troubled by a sore throat and blocked nose during South Africa's World Cup opener against Zimbabwe in Hamilton last Sunday, where he returned with unflattering figures of one for 64 from nine overs against the Proteas' lowly-ranked opponents. The form of Steyn, one of the game's most devastating fast bowlers with 152 wickets from 97 One-Day Internationals, is seen as central to South Africa's chances of winning a maiden World Cup title. He is the spearhead of a formidable attack that includes Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander, with Kyle Abbott and Wayne Parnell also in the mix for the India game. — Agencies
