New chapter beckons for Ngidi

PROTEAS fast bowler Lungisani Ngidi has gone through the full rollercoaster of emotions recently, but he is primed for his next international challenge.

Ngidi had to deal with the death of his father, but put the loss behind him with a stunning bowling performance to help the Chennai Super Kings win the Indian Premier League (IPL).

A maiden tour of Sri Lanka awaits and Ngidi has already shown the cerebral side of his bowling art.

He adapted well to the slower surfaces in India, but Sri Lanka’s pitches have tended to behave differently.

They have been known to be reasonably batting-friendly on the first two days before rapid deterioration sets in.

Spinners and reverse swing hold sway, but fast bowlers have also prospered.

Ngidi knows he will have to call on a fair bit of the knowledge that served him and the Chennai Super Kings well in the business end of the tournament.

“I hadn’t played much in the first few games and when you get an opportunity‚ you want to prove yourself and I think I made the most of it,” he said.

“It was a good experience in all and I’ve gained a lot of confidence in my abilities.

“The main thing was to focus on the basics and that seemed to work for me.

“The wickets were better than I expected so that was pleasing.

“Just being able to play in those kinds of conditions from a heat and humidity perspective has put me in a better position to face Sri Lankan conditions.”

Morne Morkel’s retirement means Ngidi now has a place in the team pending the desired makeup of the team.

With Chris Morris struggling to recover from a back problem‚ it is not inconceivable to think South Africa will shift from what worked for them in the Australia series.

Ngidi may not be the new-ball candidate should Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada prove their fitness ahead of the tour but it shows there is enough depth.

There’s also the significant matter of Vernon Philander, but Ngidi says he is happy to be used in any role in which he is needed.

“I just want to perform as best as I can for my country‚ wherever I am playing,” he said.

”I want to put myself in the best position to be selected.”