Makhaya Ntini would not know where to cry or laugh. Such is his predicament brought on by the dearth of wickets in the first two Tests against England. His being dropped for the third Test has only led to rumours that a retirement is in the offing with South Africa's first black player to complete 100 Tests set to move to Middlesex.
graeme smith and makhaya nitni
Ntini became the most tentative player on either side of the dressing room ahead of the third Test and it was brought on not only by the hosts' shocking defeat in Durban but also, by the apparent ineffectiveness of the bowlers compounded by the impressive debut of Friedel de Wel in the first Test in the absence of Dale Steyn. With none to support the young Morne Morkel and the gap between England's inform, established bowlers and South Africa's struggling bowlers, the axe was in the offing.
The South African captain, Graeme Smith, admitted as much as Ntini's dropping was a sensitive decision but one that was out of his hands given that the captain does not enjoy voting rights and the decision rests with the selectors and the South African coach, Mickey Arthur.
While Ntini enjoyed the first Test being his 100th as South Africa's black cricketer, his downfall was not too far away. Now with de Wet getting the nod, there are rumours that Ntini will announce his retirement and instead opt for a Kolpak agreement and a possible stint with Middlesex.
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