His first elevation to the full South African squad came with the tour of the West Indies in early 2001, where his quiet demeanour earned him the nickname "Rowdy" from his teammates.
Ontong has continued to play intermittently for South Africa in one-day cricket, but has made just one further Test appearance, against India in Kolkata in 2004.
He returned his best bowling figures of 4/66 against Border in 2002–03, and compiled his highest first-class score of 166 against Eastern Province the following season.
In 2004–05, Ontong moved to the newly formed Lions franchise, and played for them for four seasons, before joining the Cape Cobras as captain in September 2008.
[4] Following brilliant form for Cape Cobras in the 2011–12 season, he got a national call-up to South Africa's Twenty20 and 50-over side against New Zealand, at the expense of the experienced Graeme Smith.