Makhaya Ntini

A naturally aggressive and agile fast bowler, Ntini became the first black African to play Test cricket.

Date of Birth: 6 July 1977, Mdingi, nr King William's Town  Test Debut: Against Sri Lanka at Cape Town in 1997/98  ODI Debut: Against New Zealand at Perth in 1997/98  Bats: Right Hand Bat  Bowls: Right Arm Fast

A naturally aggressive and agile fast bowler, Ntini became the first black African to play Test cricket and now is a vital part of South Africa's Test and one-day attack.

He started his career while still a cattle-herder in Mdinge in the Border region, progressing through every stage of the South African development programme.

Ntini missed out on the 1999 World Cup when he was found guilty of a rape charge, a conviction which was later overturned on appeal.

Since then Ntini bounced back from all his troubles and displayed ability to bowl a sustained line and length over long periods.His improvement was noticed when he became the first South African to take ten wickets at Lord's in 2003.

In one-day cricket, he has worked hard to get past the 150-wicket mark and with experience his control and economy have improved.

His best figures are 5-31 in one-dayers and 6-66 in Tests.