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I could still play for South Africa: Ntini

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-01-04 21:15
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JOHANNESBURG - Iconic South African fast bowler Makhaya Ntini has denied that he has signed a Kolpak contract to play county cricket in England, according to the South African Press Association (SAPA).

I could still play for South Africa: Ntini
South Africa cricketer Makhaya Ntini takes a selection ball from a bowl during the 2010 World Cup draw in Cape Town December 4, 2009. [Photo/Agencies] 

A spokesman for Ntini told SAPA on Monday that the veteran paceman had said he was not contemplating a Kolpak contract because he believed his test career for South Africa was not over.

He would not be allowed to play for South Africa again if he signed a Kolpak contract.

Ntini, who has played 101 Tests for South Africa, taking 390 wickets, was dropped from the South African team for the ongoing third Test against England at Newlands after failing to take a wicket in the second Test in Durban, where South Africa suffered their worst defeat against England in 64 years.

Ntini was last dropped from the South African team for the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne in 2001/2002.

After his omission from the team was announced on Sunday, there were reports that he had signed a Kolpak contract to play for English county Middlesex.

"I believe I have more Test cricket ahead of me," Ntini said. "I am going to concentrate on getting back into the Test team."