Few players get special dispensation to separate themselves from their colleagues during a Test but Donald is a special case - the first South African bowler to reach 200 wickets in only 42 Tests, the same number as Shane Warne, and the spearhead of the tourists' attack over the last six years.
Arriving at the ground yesterday was ``like coming home'', Donald admitted - a setting where he has spent 10 years of his cricketing life and has formed a close rapport with the supporters.
He admits that at 31 it will probably be his only opportunity to take part in a Birmingham Test. ``I've probably got another two years at this level but I shall rethink my future after the 1999 World Cup'', a season in which he returns for one last year with Warwickshire.
Donald will stay with the South African side the night before the Test, traditionally the time for bonding and discussing tactics over the team dinner at their hotel - a half-hour away from the ground. After the first day he will have a 10-minute drive home, ``just like a normal day at the office''.
Donald is not the only South African for whom Edgbaston has a particular affinity. His fellow new-ball bowler, Shaun Pollock, spent a season here and coach Bob Woolmer - who says the ground brings back ``many good memories'' - led Warwickshire during their halcyon days in the early 1990s.
Donald remarked: ``It will be the first time I've been in the visitors' dressing-room here. Hansie Cronje says I'm going to have to make sure I go in the right door or the side will be a man short.''
There was a time when Donald might have been leading the England attack instead. He says that during his early years with Warwickshire - when South Africa were still banned from international cricket - ``the temptation was there to qualify for England.
``I still remember Ali Bacher telling me, 'You mustn't rush that decision. Hang on for a couple of years and we'll be back.' ``
Donald has never regretted biding his time and the reward for his patience is what he terms a South African's ``ultimate challenge, a five-Test series in England''.
A flooded outfield greeted England and South Africa when they arrived at the ground yesterday. Both sides used the indoor nets for light practice while gallons of water were hosed off the surface.
Surrey's Graham Thorpe was last night chosen as the Cornhill England Player of the Year.