Sydney, May 11 (IANS) Legendary South African fast bowler Allan Donald is involved in an intense trans-Tasman tussle between Australia and New Zealand for his services as bowling coach.

Cricket Australia (CA) is keen on having Donald as their bowling consultant while New Zealand are reluctant to let him go after he played a key role behind the Kiwis success in the World Cup.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have made a formal offer to Donald. Although they are yet to get a reply, they say the discussions were "progressing positively."

Former Australian coach John Buchanan, now NZC director, said CA was "pretty interested in pursuing him as well".

"I guess from Allan's point of view it's a nice position to be in with at least a couple of international organisations chasing his services. From his point of view, it will be about sitting down with family and seeing what's on offer before he makes his decision. We're pretty keen," Buchanan was quoted as saying by the daily.

Buchanan said that New Zealand coach John Wright was highly impressed by Donald's work.

"I think he spent more time looking at the mental side of the game and tactical awareness rather than any great technical direction. But as I understand from John Wright, he was very pleased with the work he's done, and the bowlers he worked with over there were pretty delighted with having him around," Buchanan said.

Wright and Donald joined forces earlier this year to end New Zealand's horrific 11-match losing streak and moulded them into a winning outfit that made the semi-finals of the World Cup.