Ali Bacher, managing director of the United Cricket Board, promised in 1994 that his country would have their first black Test cricketer before the turn of the century - and had money anything to do with it, there could have been several by now.

Around £10 million has been poured into the UCB's development programme over the last decade and, to the relief of Bacher and his executive, Ntini, 20, has finally produced its vindication.

``His selection will give a huge impetus to South African cricket development,'' said Bacher, hardly able to contain his delight. ``It will ensure that kids in the townships know it's possible to play for South Africa.''

Ntini comes from Mdingi, a sprawling collection of flimsy shacks outside King Williams Town. He was raised by his grandmother while his mother struggled to feed seven children on her income as a household maid. He played his first organised cricket just five years ago after a travelling development clinic came to his village. He was only 14 but the MCC were impressed - that's Mdingi Cricket Club.

Ntini would never have emerged but for the UCB's intervention. His talent was quickly identified and he was sent on a UCB scholarship to Dale College, a white cricket-playing public school in East London.

He has toured England and India with South Africa Under-19s and was coached at the country's national cricket academy in Johannesburg.

He is one of only three black Africans playing in top-flight cricket in South Africa. The others are Eastern Province wicketkeeper-batsman Lulama Masikazana and batsman Loots Lugile, of Griqualand West.

Ntini has been returning the favour, appearing in an atmospheric television commercial to promote the UCB's development programme. ``Cricket,'' he says to camera, ``has been played among Xhosa people for a very long time.''

Inter provincial matches between ``non-Europeans'' have been recorded as early as 1904.

Umpire Dickie Bird once likened his action to that of former West Indian great Malcolm Marshall. Ntini can be genuinely quick, aggressive and extracts sharp bounce.

Over the last two seasons his control of line has improved dramatically and, on merit, he would be a leading contender among the next generation of South African fast bowlers for international recognition.

He is adjusting to the trappings of high-profile sporting life but has not forgotten where he came from. The first thing he bought his family with his cricket income was a television set. When he was given a sponsored mobile phone, he gave it to his girlfriend so he could call her while on tour.