Ntini supported by past and present greats

Makhaya Ntini has named several current South African internationals plus a legend of the past in Jonty Rhodes to play in his Invitation XI against the touring West Indies at East London's Buffalo Park ground on Friday, December 14. The match will be played as a day/night fixture and is one of the highlights of Ntini's benefit year.

"By bringing these stars to my home ground, I hope I can reward my loyal fans who have given me such wonderful support over all the years I have been playing my cricket there," said Ntini. "All 11 players have represented the Proteas with distinction and I hope we can put on a memorable match. It will be great to have international cricket back in East London."

It is appropriate that West Indies should form the opposition as Ntini returned South Africa's best Test figures (13 for 132) against them in the Caribbean in 2004-05.

Invitation XI Makhaya Ntini (capt), Graeme Smith, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Neil McKenzie, Ashwell Prince, Jonty Rhodes, Shaun Pollock, Mark Boucher (wk), Pieter Strydom, Mfuneko Ngam.