December 10, 2001	Monday	Ramazan 24, 1422

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PERTH, Dec 9: South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald is doubtful for Friday’s first Test against Australia after suffering cuts and bruising to his toe, the team said Sunday.

The tourists’ physiotherapist Craig Smith said Donald, 35, who has battled to overcome an abdominal injury, suffered a bruised big toenail on his left foot and a cut under the same toe.

Donald (1-100) bowled only four overs Sunday as Western Australia reached 600 for eight declared after resuming at 303 for three.

South Africa, who made 367 in their first innings, were 40 for no wicket at the close of the third day of the four-day match.

Donald’s injuries were caused by a new pair of boots worn as part of a sponsorship deal, and the fast bowler has now decided to get a pair of custom-made ones flown over from South Africa.

Smith expects Donald to be fit to take on Australia but admitted there was a question mark over the country’s most successful test bowler because the injury was in an awkward place to heal.

Smith also said there was an injury concern over opener Herschelle Gibbs, who has strained his groin and may not bat in the second innings against Western Australia.

South Africa’s last work-out before Friday’s first Test turned into an embarrassment Sunday as number eight batsman Matthew Nicholson, a former Australia Test fast bowler, made 101 not out, his maiden first-class century.

Lance Klusener (2-96), Makhaya Ntini (2-108), left-arm spinner Claude Henderson (2-120) and Donald (1-100) were the wicket-takers for South Africa, whose captain Shaun Pollock opted to sit out the match ahead of the Adelaide Test.

Western Australia opener Scott Meuleman (109) reached his maiden first-class century Saturday.

Spinner Brad Hogg made 90, adding 175 for the seventh wicket with Nicholson, who hit 13 fours and three sixes in 192 minutes at the crease.

South Africa opening bowler Steve Elworthy failed to make an impact in the absence of Donald and Pollock, finishing with figures of none for 88.