Alan Donald recalls his ‘worst moment’ with Rahul Dravid | Photo Credit: PTI

Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed was recently suspended by the ICC for four matches for his racist slur against South African all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo. Now, former South African paceman Allan Donald has recalled one incident where he was involved with former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid during a match in 1997. Donald regretted what he said to Dravid as India and South Africa collided in the second final of a triangular series. The ‘White Lightning’ accepted the fact that what he said to Dravid was unacceptable as he termed it as ‘way over the top’.

There have been many instances during the 90s when heated sledging was a part of the game. However, Dravid, who was known for his grit, discipline and humble nature was so hurt by the incident that he didn’t speak to Donald when the paceman approached him after the match.

Donald recalled that South Africa won that ODI final against India in Durban, but it was probably his worst moment in cricket. The former South African bowler further added that the match referee would have given him a ban for a year if it happened in today’s time.

“My sledging of Rahul Dravid in 1997 was way over the top. The way I said what I did to Dravid was definitely not on but I was willing to do something that might bring me a wicket. Two overs later, we got him out and eventually won that ODI final against India in Durban,” Donald recalled the incident while talking to Sport24.

“Post-match, I went up to Rahul who obviously didn’t want to speak to me, and of course the Indian team wasn’t happy with me, but down the line we managed to sort it out. Looking back at it now, I reckon the match referee would have given me a year off from cricket. I said all sorts to Dravid and there was a fair amount of swearing involved. That is probably the worst moment I have ever been involved in,” the former paceman added.

Meanwhile, in the absence of Sarfraz, Pakistan are being led by veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik and will look to put up a good show in the last two T20Is after losing the first tie.