WORCESTERSHIRE today scotched fears that their temporary signing of South African pace ace Allan Donald could be in doubt.

Donald has been lined up by the County to stand in for Andy Bichel as their overseas player for three weeks, while Bichel takes part in the Super Challenge II series in Australia.

But Gerald Majola, chief executive of the United Cricket Board of South Africa, claimed they were unaware of Donald's deal.

He said: "There is a specific clause in players' contracts which precludes them from working for another employer without permission, and Allan hasn't spoken to me."

However, Worcestershire's Director of Cricket Tom Moody said that there had been a misunderstanding and that there were no problems with the deal.

He said: "It is not a problem. I have spoken to Allan both yesterday and today, and it is just a case of crossed wires and mis-communication on their part.

"They have had the information and the situation regarding Allan with them for about a week now, and it is just that it hasn't passed from one hand to the other.

"It is just a bit of a mix-up but it is certainly not a problem and Allan will definitely be available."

Donald, who had many successful seasons with Warwickshire, is currently playing for Knowle and Dorridge in the Birmingham League.