Ngidi makes a massive statement of intent against Lions

THE TOOTHY grin Titans bowler Lungi Ngidi wore after the first day’s play against the Lions in the Sunfoil Series at the Wanderers yesterday, wasn’t solely down to producing career-best figures, but also a illustration of joy that he was back doing what he loves.

He may only be 21, with a professional career that’s in its infancy, but already Ngidi has had a taste of the big time, and having performed as well as he did in three T20 internationals last summer many have scripted a big future for himself. So to have had it taken away in the winter with a stress fracture was a scary moment. However with the help of the Titans’ trainers, he has come back a stronger player – both mentally and physically.

Ngidi produced one of the highlights of this season’s Sunfoil Series by picking up 6/37, including four wickets in a bruising opening spell from the Golf Course End.

Sure there was assistance from the pitch, but for a bowler playing his first serious match in four months after such a debilitating injury, it was a massive statement of intent.

“I was very nervous before going on the field, but our coach (Mark Boucher) just said to do the basics. There was a lot of assistance in the wicket and I made sure I exploited that as much as I could. Just hit a good area, the ball did the rest,” said Ngidi.

That first spell saw him pick up a wicket with the third ball of the match when he had Stephen Cook caught at point, and he finished with 4/24 from those five overs.

Ngidi’s 13 overs were split over four spells, not in any way to ease him back into the fold he said, but because some of his teammates were relishing bowling on the lively surface too.

Meanwhile, an outstanding unbeaten century from Dane Vilas led a fine recovery from the Dolphins as they ended day one of their Sunfoil Series clash with the Cape Cobras on 310/8 in Oudtshoorn yesterday.

The right-hander was unbeaten on 145 at the close – his 14th first-class ton – having come in to bat with the visitors struggling.

Proteas seamer Vernon Philander marked his return from injury with 3/24 in 17 overs to end as the best of the bowlers.