Back in 1999, when Makhaya Ntini was accused of rape, his cricketing career seemed in shambles. But seven years down the line, he is undoubtedly South Africa’s pace spearhead – an exceptional achievement for someone who had to face such a brutal charge at such a tender age. The rape charge wasn’t the only trauma for Ntini. He also had to bear the taunts of being a consistent member of the team only because of his black origin in wake of the quota policy implemented by the South African cricket Board. But all these are things of the past. In the current scenario, Ntini - the first black cricketer to represent his country - is a certainty in a South African squad irrespective of his race. Shaun Pollock may be rated as South Africa’s best bowler even today, but the veteran himself wouldn’t have any hesitation in agreeing that the Proteas’ bowling attack would be insipid without Ntini.
The rise of Ntini to the glitterati of world cricket would make you believe that here was someone destined to play the game for his country. Ntini’s discovery was thanks to the cricket development programme of the UCB. Believe it or not, he was picked up from a cattle herd in a place in East Cape and was instantly recognised as a talent. As the story goes, Ntini was first noticed by Border cricket development officer Raymond Booi. Ntini was told to bowl by Booi and the youngster managed to impress him instantly. Soon he found himself in Dale College – considered among the better institutions for cricket in the country. And that’s how the Makhaya Ntini story began.
Ntini, who has had modelled his action on the legendary Malcolm Marshall, had a moderately successful start to his international career. The paceman got his first chance to wear the national colours when he made his one-day debut in Perth against the Kiwis in the 1997/98 season. He had a decent spell in the bowler friendly conditions and was rewarded with a Test debut against Sri Lanka. However his career was temporarily nipped in the bud in 1999 when charges of rape were leveled against him. It seemed another promising career would come to an abrupt end. But the youngster found back remarkably after being acquitted of the charges. He was expectedly out of the international squad for a short duration but once recalled he went all out to prove that his presence in the squad was more to do with his cricketing ability and less with the colour of his skin. This was evident in his performances, which were far more consistent as compared to his controversial first stint.
The turning point of his career coming in November 2000 against the Kiwis in Blomfontein. The match was supposed to be remembered for Allan Donald’s 300th Test victim but Ntini came up with a special effort to steal the limelight from Donald to some extent. His bowling performance of 6/66 was instrumental in his side’s victory. The effort was all the more praiseworthy as it was delivered on a batsman friendly track. This was also around the same time that Allan Donald’s great career was in its final stages. Though the experienced Pollock was very much around, his pace had dropped considerably and South Africa needed someone who could take over the mantle of the premier fast bowler from Donald. It was never going to be easy for anyone to fit into the boots of the great Allan Donald but Ntini has managed to do a more than commendable job. Though the ups and downs continued for Ntini in the series’ to follow, the Proteas knew they had found someone who would go on to serve the country for long.
There have been constant criticisms over Ntini’s bowling run up – the fact that he always bowls from wide of the stumps has not impressed many cricket pundits. But like all good cricketers, Ntini too has learnt about his failings and has worked on this aspect. The results are there for all to see. He may still not be bowling from very close to the crease but importantly, does enough to trouble the best of the batsmen world over. And he may not be in the super express mode ala Allan Donald or Brett Lee but his performances have been as good as the duo of late.
The ten-wicket match haul against the world champions in Johannesburg, though it came in losing cause, is something Ntini will cherish. He even spoilt Langer’s centenary Test celebrations with a severe knock on the helmet that sent him straight to the hospital. In the one-day series that preceded the Tests, he sent the Aussies packing to a humiliating defeat returning with exceptional figures of 6-22.
Ntini has to his credit the great achievement of becoming the first South African bowler to claim ten wickets in a Test at the home of cricket, Lords back in 2003. But better things were to follow. Against the ever-deteriorating Windies, he returned with sensational figures of 13 for 132 at Trinidad, the home of Brian Lara last year. The achievement is the best ever by a South African bowler. However, Ntini had only just begun. He reserved his best for the best team in the world.
Late last year when the Proteas were in Aussie land, Ntini grabbed yet another five-wicket haul in the drawn Perth Test. But injury marred his series to some extent. And so when the kangaroos came arrived in South Africa early this year, he made sure that most of them hopped to his tune. There was some amount of tension prior to the series with the racial taunts that the Africans received in Australia not going down well with them. In fact, Proteas wicket keeper Mark Boucher went public asking the crowds to give the Aussies a hard time. Unfortunately, it wasn’t good enough as the world champions managed to stamp their superiority on the opposition once again. But even in a losing cause, the bowling of Makhaya Ntini stood out.
Bowling at great pace coupled with superior accuracy and his ever admired fighting spirit, Ntini was the main cause of concern for the Aussie batsman by a big distance. His 19 wickets in the 3 Test series included the earlier mentioned 10-wicket haul at Johannesburg – 6/100 and 4/78. Ntini did not deserve to end up on the losing side after such a brave showing but his teammates were just not good enough to match his skills which meant South Africa’s dream of beating the Aussies in the longer version continues to remain an elusive one.
But there was just reward for Ntini 20 in the series to follow against New Zealand. He earned 20 scalps and deservedly named the Man-of-the-Series – this included another 10-wicket match haul in the first Test at Centurion, which turned out to be his second consecutive one after his match figures at Johannesburg. However, the big difference here was that the Centurion effort came in a winning cause – which is what matters the most at the end of the day.
As an appreciation for his efforts, Ntini was voted as the South African Cricketer of the Year for the second year running. And it was no surprise that he walked away the Test Cricketer of the Year award too. After being honoured for his hard work, Ntini had something very encouraging to say. “I have put in a lot of effort to reach where I am now and I would like the young people coming from my background to also feel encouraged that they could reach international levels in any sport if they try hard.”
With good pace and control over line and length that’s only improving with every game, Ntini will undeniably be one of the trump cards for South Africa in the West Indies when they embark on their quest to improve their pathetic World Cup record.
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