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Might of the Windies tested
13/12/2007 16:57 - (SA)
East London - Friday will be the big day for Proteas fast bowler, Makhaya Ntini, recently voted the most popular sports hero in South Africa.
His invitation team, consisting in the main of international cricketers, take on the might of the West Indies touring team at Buffalo Park on Friday in a 25-overs benefit clash.
It's a match that is sure to have the East London crowds on the edge of their seats, with sixes galore, boundary hits, flying stumps, amazing catches, not to mention numerous run-out attempts.
The shortened form of the game has exploded into an exciting spectacle and with Herschelle Gibbs and former Border wicketkeeper-batsman Mark Boucher set to open the innings for the Ntini XI, big hitting can be expected from ball one.
Jacques Kallis at number three is in sublime batting form at the moment and should make a good contribution to the Ntini XI team.
His crisp driving on both sides of the wicket and willingness to hook or pull anything short always makes him a favourite with the Buffalo Park crowd.
Jonty Rhodes and Pieter Strydom
Lower down the order allrounder Tyron Henderson can be expected to heave a few balls over the fence while it will be interesting to see how retired batsmen, Jonty Rhodes and Pieter Strydom fare with the bat against the Windies' bowling attack.
Both have been out of first-class cricket for some time and the spectators will be keen to see the acrobatic Rhodes in the field in his accustomed position of backward point. Keep an eye on Jonty as he rallies the fielders after virtually every ball.
Strydom, too, had an excellent reputation as a fielder and he will probably patrol the cover areas. The touring team under a new coach, former Australian batsman John Dyson, will be keen to make a good impression in the first match of the South African leg of their tour and thus the game will be played in the spirit of a proper one-day limited-overs international.
Proving this point is the appointment of two experienced, international umpires to stand in the match - Ian Howell and Brian Jerling.
The Ntini XI coach, Greg Hayes, was positive that the match would provide plenty of fun and entertainment for the big crowd expected. "At the end of the day although it's a fun game it will be played in the right spirit," said Hayes. "The current international players have their reputations to maintain and are unlikely to throw their wicket away when batting.
"But entertainment for the crowd will be the order of the day." For Ntini and as part of his benefit year, the day (Friday) kicks off with an early-morning breakfast function at Buffalo Park when former South African bowler, Vincent van der Bijl, will be the guest speaker.
The big game starts at 18:00
Ntini is probably best known for his remarkable fitness and willingness to bowl all day if necessary - attributes of a great player.
"I feel honoured and feel respected to have been awarded a benefit," Ntini said on Thursday. He has also arranged to hold golf days during 2008 as a means of raising extra funds for his benefit.
The weatherman has forecast cloudy conditions after light morning rain with a steady north-easterly wind, ideal conditions for the match.
The teams and officials
Makhaya Ntini Invitation XI: Makhaya Ntini (capt), Paul Adams, Mark Boucher, Herschelle Gibbs, Tyron Henderson, Jacques Kallis, Mfuneko Ngam, Yanda Pangabantu, Shaun Pollock, Jonty Rhodes, Pieter Strydom.
12th-man: Neville Botha.
West Indies (from): Dwayne Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Pedro Collins, Fidel Edwards, Daren Ganga, Rawl Lewis, Runako Morton, Brenton Parchment, Daren Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Devon Smith, Jerome Taylor.
Umpires: Ian Howell and Brian Jerling. TV umpire: Laurance Willemse.
- SAPA
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