ONE of the deadliest bowlers in the world may soon be terrifying Ipswich club cricketers.The fearsome Alan Donald is being tipped to play a couple of games or so for Copdock and Old Ipswichians in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship.

By Elvin King

ONE of the deadliest bowlers in the world may soon be terrifying Ipswich club cricketers.

The fearsome Alan Donald is being tipped to play a couple of games or so for Copdock and Old Ipswichians in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship.

The South African pace man is the brother-in-law of Copdock player Robert Earl, and talks are

currently taking place about Donald joining the club this season.

"We are trying to twist his arm," said Copdock skipper John East today.

Donald is in this country doing TV work, with the South Africans soon to embark on a four-test series once the one-day internationals are over.

The 36-year-old has only recently retired from the first class game, and his presence would give Copdock a considerable lift...and their opponents a severe fright!

"Alan has indicated to Robert that he is interested in playing a game or two if he can fit it into his schedule. He wants to play some matches this

summer, and you never know it could be for us."

Copdock are third in the First Division table, and with a good run in the second half of the season they can still win the championship, and then be eligible for a move up to the East Anglian Premier League.

Donald has made a mess of a number of England innings' over the years, and he was a consistent performer with Warwickshire in the County Championship for several years when his international duties allowed.

At his peak Donald bowled at over 90 mph, not as quick as some of the fastest exponents in today's game but still lightning enough to concern even the most competent of batsmen.

Copdock chairman, former Essex spin bowler Ray East, said: "It would be a terrific boost if Alan was to find time to play.

"Robert is on the case, and if it happens then it will be a big occasion for Ipswich club cricket."

The well-appointed Copdock has a big date on Sunday August 10 when it hosts the semi-final of the Minor Counties Cup when Suffolk take on Shropshire in a 50-over a side match that will see the winners take their place at Lord's for the final on September 2.