Ntini encroaches on Lee's territory

Looking back on the test series against New Zealand, South Africa can be satisfied with the results in both the one-day series and the tests. If the brains trust were to scrape a little deeper, which I’m sure they will, they can afford a strut of satisfaction with regard to a number of players.

Top of the list is Makhaya Ntini. His improvement over the past twelve months has been outstanding. He is without any doubt the fittest player in the world and these days he can generate some alarming pace.

If we consider that Brett Lee was hitting a maximum speed mark of 150 km/h at the WACA in Perth in ideal conditions and that Makhaya hit 147 km/h at both Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth, we can realize he has serious gas. The confidence he has taken on board has done him the world of good.

Mfuneko Ngam is another who has grasped his opportunity with both hands. He also clocked 147 km/h at the Wanderers and impressed all and sundry. So throw in another couple who can bowl a bit at break-neck speed, Allan Donald and Jacques Kallis and it is plain for all to see that South Africa possess a bowling line-up that will command respect.

Sean Pollocks’s nagging accuracy completes an outstanding attack. On the batting front two youngsters have displayed outstanding ability. Neil McKenzie’s maiden test century at Port Elizabeth was of the highest quality as was Boeta Dippenaar's at the Wanderers. Most importantly, they have proved to themselves they can play at the highest level and I am certain they will not look back.

Nicky Bojé is another who has hardly missed out with the bat and the sheer brilliance of Kallis and the solidity of Gary Kirsten spells danger to any attack in world cricket.

As you can see there are a number of players who are hitting their straps and this augurs well for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. The 'Baggy Shirts' are an exciting unit who on their day can set the game alight. I’m guessing for the next month or so we won’t see too many half-volleys floating about, nor too many forward defensive strokes as we are thoroughly entertained by two exciting, world-class teams.

That will be a very welcome sight after what we experienced in the last three hours at the Wanderers!