ALLAN DONALD is winning his battle to be fit to face Sussex in their World Cup warm-up match at Hove.

The South African fast bowler hasn't played since injuring his stomach muscles during the tour of New Zealand in March.

But the 32-year-old has stepped up his work in the nets since the World Cup favourites arrived in Sussex on Monday to complete their preparations and Donald is 'very confident'of playing on Friday.

He said: "The injury is healing fine at the moment. Yesterday was the fifth time in the last five days I've bowled off a short run.

"There has been no recurrence so I'm very confident and I'm raring to go and hoping to play on Friday.

"I've been out of action for four or five weeks now so it's important for me to get out in the middle and get through ten overs."

Coach Bob Woolmer has hinted that he may field the side for the opening game against India on Saturday week.

Jonty Rhodes (sore wrist), Steve Elworthy (bruised calf) and Derek Crookes (finger) have slight injuries, but all should be available for selection.

Woolmer said: "The side against Sussex will be pretty close to the one that plays in the first game just to get used to playing at Hove.

"Our preparations have been pretty full on. We've got three hard games at the start of the tournament, but we've played a lot of cricket recently so we're not really out of form.

"We're very happy to be based in Sussex at the start of the tournament. Brighton is a nice place, the weather is pretty good and the wickets and practice facilities have been excellent."

Admission to Friday's game, which starts at 10.45am, will be available on the gate at £12 for adults and £6 for OAPs and juniors is available on the day. But there will be no car parking at Hove.

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