England in SA
Majola hails Ntini
2009-12-16 10:40
Fantastic milestone (file)
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Johannesburg - Cricket South Africa CEO Gerald Majola, has paid tribute to one of South Africa's finest cricketers, Makhaya Ntini, who celebrated his 100th Test appearance for the Proteas' Castle Test team when the first Test against England got underway at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday.
Majola said: "Makhaya Ntini's 100th Test match for the Proteas marks a major milestone in one of the most incredible journeys yet undertaken in world cricket.
"Makhaya rose from being a herd boy in the tiny village of Mdingi in the Eastern Cape to being rated as one of the world's best fast bowlers and becoming the most popular sports person South Africa has known.
"He has stridden the world cricket stage like a colossus since making his Proteas' Test debut at the age of 20.
"Since then, he has taken 388 Test wickets, including four 10-wicket hauls which is a South African record. His 10 wickets against England at Lord's in 2003 also stands alone in the South African record books at the home of cricket.
"For more than a decade, Ntini has been the face of South African cricket wherever the game is played. His has been the face of friendship, enjoyment and a fierce will to win for his country.
"Cricket South Africa salutes him as a great cricketer, and a great son of the nation.
"CSA would also like to thank Castle Lager for its long sponsorship of South African Test cricket, making it possible for the likes of Makhaya to perform so well for his country at the highest and toughest level in world cricket."