LLOYD

EAST LONDON, South Africa (CMC):

WEST INDIES team manager Clive Lloyd has described Makhaya Ntini as a great ambassador for the game and his native South Africa.

He was speaking ahead of the opening match of West Indies' tour of South Africa - a 25-over-a-side affair against a Makhaya Ntini Invitational XI today at Buffalo Park, which kick-starts the South African fast bowler's benefit year.

"It's a great honour for the West Indies team to be asked to play in this match and we are delighted to be here," Lloyd said.

"Makhaya is a great son of the soil and he plays cricket with a big heart and in the true spirit of the game. South Africa should be happy to have him in their ranks. He epitomises everything that is great about the good game of cricket."

Shared jokes

Ntini is the first black cricketer to represent South Africa. He joined the West Indies players during their three-hour training session at Buffalo Park yesterday and shared jokes and well wishes.

In his playing career, Ntini has so far taken 319 wickets in 79 Test matches and another 255 in 164 one-day internationals.

He has been a constant thorn in the side of the Caribbean visitors against whom he has his best figures in Tests, of seven for 37 at Port-of-Spain on South Africa's most recent trip to the Caribbean.