08 January,2011 06:41 AM IST | | Debasish Datta
South Africa pacer keen to finish international career on a high against India in Sunday's T20 match
South Africa's first black Test cricketer, Makhaya Ntini has assured the cricketing world that he won't shed any tears in his last international match when South Africa take on India in a Twenty20 International in front of a packed house at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
Makhaya Ntini. Pic/Getty Images
"I'm bidding goodbye to something I love too much. I will not cry, although I'm an emotional man.
I'm not sure if I will bowl on Sunday but I'm ready," the SA speedster, who has accounted for 390 wickets in 101 Tests and 266 wickets in 173 ODIs, told MiD DAY yesterday.
The 33-year-old said his humble beginnings in life have taught him to appreciate the success he has achieved better. "I was a simple country boy to start off with. There were times when I would actually steal milk and sell it off, just for the fun of it. I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey from there to here in the international cricket world," added Ntini.
He believes there is a lot of potential among boys in the countryside and plans to tap into that pool of talent.
"I will do anything for the development of young cricketers from the countryside and that's the reason I am going to start my cricket academy in my village in East London very soon. I know that the boys there have tremendous passion and all they need is good facilities which I will try to provide," said Ntini.
Each and every seat in the house at the 50,000-capacity venue for the T20 international has been sold out and Ntini should look forward to a rousing send-off.
Meanwhile, South African skipper Graeme Smith has been ruled out of the T20 tie due to an injury he suffered to his hand off a Sreesanth delivery during the Cape Town Test.
The India vs South Africa Test series ended 1-1 at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on Thursday.
A five-match, 50-over one-day series will kick off here on Wednesday.
