A product of the United Cricket Board's development programme, Ntini was fast-tracked into the international squad.

Became the first black African to play Test cricket in March 1998, but his career was interrupted when he was found guilty of a rape charge, a conviction which was later overturned on appeal.

Capable of genuine pace in the right conditions, he has worked hard to improve his control.

In one-day cricket, he has worked hard to get past the 50-wicket mark and is economy rate is now down to a little over four an over.

Now his Test statistics require similar improvement.