On This Day in 1998: Allan Donald vs Mike Atherton - A Battle for the Ages | WATCH

On this day in 1998, cricket witnessed one of its most intense battles when England faced South Africa at Trent Bridge. The confrontation between the relentless Allan Donald and the unflinching Mike Atherton was the highlight of a thrilling Test match.

Mike Atherton, a technically sound and gritty opener, was known for his resilience and ability to withstand hostile bowling. Allan Donald, on the other hand, was a fearsome fast bowler with raw pace and aggression. The clash between these two titans was eagerly anticipated by cricket fans worldwide.

South Africa, leading the series 1-0, posted a strong total of 374 thanks to Hansie Cronje’s century.

England responded with 336, with Atherton contributing 58 before falling to Donald, who claimed five wickets. However, England fought back, skittling South Africa for 208 with Angus Fraser and Dominic Cork wreaking havoc. Chasing 247, Atherton’s gritty 98 guided England to a series-levelling victory.

The duel between Atherton and Donald was a spectacle. Donald, nicknamed “White Lightning,” was at his ferocious best, peppering Atherton with short-pitched deliveries. The climax came when Atherton gloved a bouncer to wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, only for the umpire to miss the edge. This incensed Donald, who unleashed a barrage of hostile bowling, targeting Atherton and Nasser Hussain.

The atmosphere at Trent Bridge was electric as the English crowd roared their support for Atherton. Every delivery was met with a crescendo of noise, as the nation held its breath with each close call. Donald, unfazed by the hostile environment, responded with a relentless barrage of short-pitched bowling.

Despite Donald’s relentless pressure, Atherton stood firm, remaining unbeaten on 98 as England clinched a crucial win. This unforgettable encounter remains etched in cricket folklore as a testament to the spirit of competition.

HERE’S WHAT ALLAN DONALD SAID ABOUT HIS ENCOUNTER WITH ATHERTON

• “That spell stands out for me in what was one hell of a tight series. We’d just come off the back of a drawn Test at Manchester where I’d bowled 40 overs in the second innings after England had followed on. I probably had the hardest game I ever experienced.”
• “You know that Michael is the one. He is their rock. He is the one you need to knock over, otherwise it’s going to be Johannesburg all over again. He’s always been one of those resilient players that gets under your skin; that little ‘universities’ stare under the helmet. You knew every time you would play against him it would be hard graft.”