On July 6 1977, Makhaya Ntini, the former South Africa fast bowler was born.

– Happy Birthday – July 5 – Crespo, Smith, O'Connor
– On this day: July 5, 1975 – Arthur Ashe wins Wimbledon

Ntini, who also played for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL today turns 38 and is widely regarded as one of the finest bowlers to play for the Proteas.

He was the first ethnically black player to play for his country, a landmark moment in South African sport so heavily dominated by politics over the years.

By the time he retired, Ntini had taken 390 wickets in 101 Test matches and is the third highest wicket-taker for his country in the longest format of the game.

1980: Pau Gasol, Spanish seven-footer of the Chicago Bulls and two-time NBA champion (35).

1990: Jae Crowder, forward for the Boston Celtics and son of former NBA player Corey Crowder (25).

1992: Manny Machado, third baseman for MLB ’s Baltimore Orioles and 2013 All-Star (23).