Yesterday was Makhaya Ntini’s day, after an international career lasting 13 years, 101 Test matches and 173 ODIs. The man from Mdingi bowed out of world cricket in an appropriate manner, cheered by the biggest cricket crowd in Africa, and warmly acknowledged by his peers, including Sachin Tendulkar, who called him “the great champion”.
The 33-year-old was applauded every time he touched the ball, even when he was struck for four, such was the affection he commanded.
And when, in the 13th over, he clung on to a boundary catch off Indian top scorer Rohit Sharma the roof nearly came off.
After bowling his final over, there was a huge ovation.
Each member of the South African team went to him and gave him a hug. He bowed, waved and then trotted – as he had done throughout his international career – back to long leg to take up his familiar fielding position.
The fact that he had been hit for 46 runs in his four overs was simply a detail that will be erased very quickly from the national consciousness.
During the innings break, Ntini’s praises were sung in a film put together by Cricket South Africa, with messages and interviews placing him at the forefront of cricket development. The common theme? Thank you for your inspirational role, and the way you have helped black South African cricketers.
When South Africa batted, it was touch-and-go whether Ntini was going to be seen in action again but, fortunately, with the Proteas’ innings into its final over and the match already lost, the great man strolled to the wicket to yet another ovation.
His batting was a little more successful than his bowling on this occasion as he nudged a single off one of the two balls he faced and marched off undefeated.
At the end of the game, with India comfortable winners, the Indian players each took their turn to hug Ntini and acknowledge his career.
Ntini then hitched a ride on a golf cart round the stadium as he received the applause of the crowd.
At the end, after receiving an award from President Jacob Zuma, he took the microphone and called out: “Thank you, Durban. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your support over the last 12 years.”
And then, turning towards the South African and Indian players, he said: “It was a privilege to play with you guys.”
Thanks for the memories, Makhaya. - The Mercury