Jennings: I challenged Makhaya
South African coach Ray Jennings has revealed the secret behind Makhaya Ntini’s phenomenonal success in the second Test against the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago.
The fast bowler ripped through the Windies batting line-up in both innings to record the brilliant match-figures of 13/132 - a South African record. His heroics propelled the team to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory and a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.
Jennings claims he warned the Eastern Cape paceman, who produced a dismal performance in the first Test in Guyana, that he would be dropped for the third Test if he did not improve at the Queens Park Oval.
“I think he’s woken up, he’s had a fright. That’s probably why I’m unpopular, because I challenge the guys in certain ways,” said Jennings. “If that’s going to lead to performances like today’s (Tuesday), I’m quite happy to do that.”
However, Ntini says he knew before the Test that he would be successful.
“On the first day, before I left my hotel room, I said this is going to be my test,” he told The Trinidad Express. “It’s all about dedication, I knew things could turn around.”
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