Sports

Ntini the latest star in the cricket world

Makhaya Ntini's performance in the second test between South Africa and England made him the latest star in the cricket world. Prior to that his Captain Graeme Smith occupied that position. As Ntini knelt and kissed the hallowed turf of Lords he had not only achieved a record, but also became an inspiration to many black youngsters in his homeland.

He was introduced to international cricket at a time when colored cricketers were being encouraged and given the opportunity to establish and blossom at the highest level of the game. From humble beginnings tending cattle in his home village Mdingi in the Eastern Cape, he overcame not only the hardships of rural poverty but also the cultural differences of being a black kid, hardly able to speak English, entering an environment where he had to build friendships and compete with white urban contemporaries.

He had to overcome all those who doubted and that included team-mates. He has said of his early days, I knew I had to improve as a cricketer. I realized I could also do the things Donald, Pollock and Kallis did and I always believed that if I performed well, I could not be kept out.î

Ntini's first tour was to Australia in 1997-98 where he played in a couple of one day games. Shortly after, he played in a test match against Sri Lanka and became the first player to emerge from South Africa's Development Squad.

His career took-off during te 2000-01 home season against New Zealand. On a hot day and a flat track at Blomfontein he bowled 31 overs and picked up 6 for 66. It also meant he was pouring all his efforts into cricket after the traumatic experience of being convicted for rape and then subsequently being acquitted.

With Shaun Pollock injured, Ntini was given the new ball in South Africa's return series against Australia. Although the team failed Ntini accepted the responsibility and claimed eleven wickets in the three match series. Since then, he has not looked back. Here are three characteristics that stand out in Ntini the cricketer.

He is a willing worker and always ready to learn.

He has a big heart and ready to fight all odds.

He is supremely fit.

When Ntini first came on the scene he bowled wide of the wicket and used to mainly slant the ball in to the right hand batsmen. Now he bowls close to the stumps and can take the ball away from the right hand batsman as well. He sprints into the crease and has an open chested action, very much like the late, great West Indian, Malcom Marshall.

His approach on the field is always positive. However many he gets hit for, he keeps coming back at the batsmen. Plenty of self belief in that the next delivery will be good enough to remove his opponent. Whatever the condition Ntini can bowl long spells. He can come back after short spells of rest. He can regularly send down deliveries at over 85 miles per hour.

In the series in progress he is the quickest on both sides. Not a big man Ntini makes the most his wiry, supple physique.

A hero amongst the colored cricketers and fans in South Africa, many will be now copying him as their role model. In fact he should well inspire young fast bowlers in Sri Lanka. Many who are in this trade are physically in the Ntini mould. They should be willing to work, have a big heart and be supremely fit.