Lungi wants to take the new ball
With the injury concerns surrounding Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn and Chris Morris, and the retirement of Morne Morkel, the spotlight has fallen firmly on Lungi Ngidi, given his tremendous recent form, when it comes to the Proteas’ attack for the tour of Sri Lanka next month.
There is still, of course, the reassuring presence of Vernon Philander, but 13 wickets in seven Tests at an average of 32 on the sub-continent suggest a holding role for the veteran seamer; the strikepower, the fire and brimstone, might have to come from 22-year-old Ngidi.
And the experience gained in the Indian Premier League could not have come at a better time.
“The pitches were a lot better for me than I expected, which was pleasing, but maybe they won’t quite be the same in Sri Lanka. But playing in that heat and humidity has put me in a better position for the tour. I’ve gained a lot of confidence in myself and my ability, and I just focused on the basics,” Ngidi said.
“Of course I want to take the new ball in Sri Lanka, but first I have to get selected. The Australian series helped me realise where I fit in and I was able to bowl decently, which was nice. But now on the sub-continent, line and length will be very crucial and whichever way the ball is swinging, I just try to attack fourth stump and hit the top of the stumps.”
The stats from the IPL show just how effective Ngidi’s approach was: of all the bowlers who took at least 10 wickets, Ngidi had the best average (14.18) and best economy rate (6.00), playing a crucial role in the Chennai Super Kings’ march to the title.
“The IPL was very exciting, but I didn’t let it overwhelm me. Fortunately I got an opportunity to prove myself and you just have to block out the massive crowds and not let it affect you. But to have international players backing you, non-South Africans, really puts you in a good head space.
“MS Dhoni trusted me with the new ball and whenever he needed a breakthrough and because he’s very good at handling pressure, he stays calm which really helps the bowler. Faf du Plessis is the same and it’s only under that high pressure that you find out how good you are. I will now just try to add to the pack and strengthen the Proteas group,” Ngidi said.