On the eve of his 100th Test for South Africa, paceman Makhaya Ntini wants to oust India from the top spot in the ICC rankings by helping his side beat England in a four-match series starting on Wednesday in Centurion.
On the eve of his 100th Test for South Africa, paceman Makhaya Ntini wants to oust India from the top spot in the ICC rankings by helping his side beat England in a four-match series starting on Wednesday in Centurion.
ADVERTISEMENT
"It is important for us to become the top-ranked Test team in the world again," Ntini said, reflecting on becoming only the fifth South African cricketer to play in 100 Tests.
The others are all-rounder Jacques Kallis, wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, and former captains Shaun Pollock and India coach Gary Kirsten.
India overtook South Africa in the rankings after beating Sri Lanka 2-0 in a home Test series recently.
Nitini (32) shot to fame when he was elevated from playing cricket in broken shoes as a herder in a village to become one of the first black players in the national squad in 1997.
"I never thought I would ever play for the national side, as it was still a white sport then and (players of other races) with their superior equipment made you doubt your capabilities," Ntini recalled.
Ntini said from having had no hope of ever playing in a South African team, he is now the verge of celebrating a very proud moment.
"Very few fast bowlers have played more than 100 Tests, and to become the first Black player in South Africa to do that, makes it even more special," he said.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
