26 Facts About Makhaya Ntini

Makhaya Ntini OIS was born on 6 July 1977 and is a South African former professional cricketer, who played all forms of the game.

Makhaya Ntini was the first black player to play for the South African national cricket team.

Makhaya Ntini reached second place in the ICC Test match bowling ratings and was the third South African cricketer to take 300 Test cricket wickets, after Shaun Pollock and Allan Donald.

In December 2017, his son Thando Makhaya Ntini was named in South Africa's squad for the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

Makhaya Ntini played his last match against India in 2011.

Makhaya Ntini was born in Mdingi, a village in Cape Province, which is near King William's Town.

Makhaya Ntini was discovered by a Border Cricket Board development officer, who was setting up a mini-cricket programme.

Makhaya Ntini lent the 15-year-old Ntini a pair of plimsolls and arranged for him to participate in a net session in King William's Town.

Makhaya Ntini impressed Booi, who contacted Greg Hayes, the head of the development programme.

Makhaya Ntini's bowling was expensive, coming at a rate of 4.53 runs per over: more than any other South African with the exception of Mark Boucher, who is best known as a wicket-keeper.

Makhaya Ntini claimed two wickets in England's only innings as Border were beaten comprehensively.

Makhaya Ntini again toured with the national Under-19s in March and April 1996, touring India, where he played three youth Tests and one of the three ODIs.

Makhaya Ntini returned to the South African side for a Sharjah tournament in 2000.

Makhaya Ntini's improvement was clear as he bowled with greater control.

On 3 March 2006, Makhaya Ntini achieved the best bowling figures by a South African in an ODI, demolishing Australia with 6 wickets for 22 runs.

Makhaya Ntini was named in the World Test XI by Cricinfo.

Makhaya Ntini went on to establish himself as South Africa's premier fast bowler and one of the leading fast bowlers in the world.

On 20 January 2007, Makhaya Ntini dislodged Mohammad Sami to take his 300th Test wicket in his 74th Test.

Makhaya Ntini played his 100th Test on 17 December 2009, becoming the only black South African cricketer to reach that mark.

Makhaya Ntini retired from all forms of international cricket in a T20I against India on 9 January 2011.

Makhaya Ntini maintained his innocence, was acquitted on appeal and rebuilt his international cricket career.

Makhaya Ntini claimed other players would not sit with him during meals and said he "was forever lonely" in the Proteas team.

Makhaya Ntini further stated that he used to run to the stadium and back to hotels to avoid being lonely on the team bus.

Makhaya Ntini's comments came shortly after fellow South African cricketer Lungi Ngidi called for the national team to show support towards the Black Lives Matter movement.

In January 2016, Makhaya Ntini was appointed as the assistant coach of the Zimbabwean national cricket team with a two-year contract.

Makhaya Ntini resigned from the role as coach in January 2018, although Ntini was reported to have claimed that he was asked to step down by the board on the basis of alleged complaints from the players over his coaching methods.