Allan Donald: Cricket Legend

Cricket legend Allan Donald shares world class fast bowling insights, elite performance lessons and leadership perspectives shaped by a record breaking Proteas career and global cricket excellence.

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
  • One of South Africa’s greatest fast bowlers and the first Protea to reach 300 Test wickets
  • Retired with 330 Test wickets at 22.25 and 272 ODI wickets at 21.78
  • Known worldwide as White Lightning for his pace, aggression and trademark sunscreen streak
  • Played key roles in South Africa’s successful return to international cricket
  • Renowned for longevity, sustaining 90mph+ pace well into his thirties

Formats:

Sports speaker and elite performance storyteller


Audiences:

Corporate teams, sports organizations, leadership groups and events seeking lessons on resilience, pressure performance and team culture.


Outcomes:
  1. Elite performance insights drawn from world class cricket experience.
  2. Practical lessons on teamwork, discipline and competitive mindset.
  3. Inspirational stories illustrating resilience, leadership and peak execution.
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Bloemfontein

Keynote Topics

Talent Short Bio

Allan Donald, known globally as White Lightning, is one of South Africa’s greatest cricketers and one of the finest fast bowlers in the history of Test cricket. Born in Bloemfontein in 1966, he attended Grey College High School and Technical High School Bloemfontein before rising through the domestic system to become a central figure in South Africa’s return to international cricket.

Donald made his Test debut in 1992 and quickly established himself as a fearsome, technically brilliant fast bowler capable of extreme pace, bounce and relentless aggression. His trademark white sunscreen streak became an iconic image of his competitive fire. He became the first South African to take 300 Test wickets, finishing with a remarkable 330 wickets at an average of 22.25. In one day internationals he claimed 272 wickets at 21.78, placing him among the era’s most dominant bowlers alongside names such as McGrath and Akram. His ability to consistently bowl at 90mph+ well into his thirties underscored both his longevity and world class conditioning.

Across his career he played pivotal roles for the Proteas and for Warwickshire, where he contributed to trophy winning seasons and later reflected on team culture, leadership and the dynamics surrounding players such as Bob Woolmer, Dennis Amiss, Dermot Reeve and Brian Lara. Today Allan Donald is recognized not only as a cricket legend but also as a respected voice on performance, teamwork and the mindset required to excel at the highest level.

Known as ‘white lightning’, Allan Donald – Cricket Legend is remembered as a fearsome fast bowler, scowling and aggressive, with a famous horizontal white line of sunscreen across his cheeks and nose.

Allan Anthony Donald was born on October 20, 1966, in Bloemfontein. He attended Grey College High School and Technical High School Bloemfontein and completed his matriculation from the latter.

Allan was one of South Africa’s best ever cricketers, specifically one of their finest bowlers. The first Protea to capture 300 test wickets.

He was also regarded as one of the finest genuinely fast bowlers ever seen in Test Cricket, capable of electric pace and bounce. His longevity was also admirable as well into his thirties was he producing 90mph+ deliveries, and remained in a short line with Glenn McGrath, Wasim Akram and others as the finest fast bowler in the world.

He made his Test debut on 18 April 1992 alongside fellow debutante Hansie Cronje.

Known as ‘white lightning’, he is remembered as a fearsome fast bowler, scowling and aggressive, with a famous horizontal white line of sunscreen across his cheeks and nose.

He finished his career as South Africa’s record wicket-taker with 330 Test wickets at an average of 22.25, and claimed 272 one-day international wickets at an average of 21.78 and was one of the main reasons why South Africa’s return to international cricket was so successful

In this text, Allan Donald reviews his relationship with key players and backroom staff – including Bob Woolmer, Dennis Amiss, Dermot Reeve and Brian Lara – and contrasts the unique team spirit during Warwickshire’s trophy winning seasons with the later rifts that developed over the selection of Lara as the county’s overseas player.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel 

Speakers Contact

Speaker Enquiry Form

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

Talent Resources

Talent Resources to download

Was this profile helpful?

View further speakers

Zonke is a soulful South African singer, songwriter and live performer known for her smooth, laid-back sound, jazz-infused arrangements and influential collaborations across the country’s music scene.
  • Singer
Thabiso Khambule is a seasoned radio presenter, DJ, MC and brand partner known for authentic energy, sharp wit and over 15 years of influence
  • Mobile DJ | Event MC
Dimpho Lekgeu is an empowerment strategist, storyteller, and speaker who helps individuals and organizations unlock purpose, embrace transformation, and lead with authenticity.
  • MC. Creativity Speaker
Kim Stephens delivers sharp, relatable insights on creativity, branding, storytelling, and resilience, drawing from her unique journey across journalism, satire, sport, and high-impact commercial copywriting.
  • Branding Speaker
She is South Africa’s pioneering female extreme enduro and rally racer, inspiring audiences with stories of resilience, grit, and peak performance.
  • Inspiring Adventurer
Entrepreneur and Trendspotter behind Musgrave Gin and Brandy, inspiring with innovation, resilience, and epicurean brand creation.
  • Business Innovation
Natalie du Toit, Paralympian and history-making swimmer, inspires audiences with her story of resilience, determination, and achieving the impossible.
  • Motivational Speaker
Josina Machel a Gender equality advocate and founder of the Kuhluka Movement, inspiring action against gender-based violence across Africa and beyond.
  • GBV Motivational
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Our Mission

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

Newsletter Signup

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Speakers Inc Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

We promise to not spam you!

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

speakers inc
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.