Makhaya Ntini may have drawn level with Stuart MacGill as the leading wicket taker in the world this year, but of far more importance to the seamer is being the leading wicket taker in whatever series he is playing in for South Africa.
Ntini took five for 94 in the West Indies first innings at the Wanderers on Monday morning and then returned in the afternoon to take three for 12 to place the visitors in real danger of losing the first Test.
At stumps on day four, the Windies had stuttered to 31 for three, 347 runs short of the victory target of 378.
When asked whether the thought of ending the year as the leading wicket taker would affect the manner in which he approached the first and second Tests, Ntini replied that he would rather set his own personal target.
”I want to be the leading wicket taker in every series,” added Ntini.
”That’s what I want and enjoy.”
Ntini fulfilled his desire three times in a row last summer, taking more wickets than any other bowler in the home series against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. During the winter tour to England Ntini was again South Africa’s chief wicket taker.
Should he outstrip MacGill, who is currently playing a series against India in Australia, Ntini will become the first South African since Allan Donald to top the list.
In 1998, Donald took 80 wickets, with Shaun Pollock in second spot with 69 wickets.
Of far more concern than awards to Ntini is wrapping up the Windies second innings and getting rid of Brian Lara, who slammed 202 in his first knock.
”With Lara we have to put the ball in the right place and make him play,” explained Ntini. ”We just mustn’t give him anything to hit.” — Sapa