Lungi Ngidi - Another tall, fast-bowling prospect from South Africa

[Abdullah719]

'X-factor' Ngidi selection causes a buzz

Pretoria - The big news of Saturday, before Aiden Markram's classy 94 and South Africa's woeful running between the wickets stole headlines, was 21-year-old Lungi Ngidi being handed a Test debut.

It had been a toss-up between Ngidi, Duanne Olivier and Chris Morris for the fourth seamer spot at Centurion given Dale Steyn’s injury-enforced absence, but in the end the Proteas went for the young-gun and Ngidi becomes the 99th South African Test player since re-admission.

With the Proteas batting throughout the opening day of the second Test, Ngidi has not had a chance to feature yet.

Still, the selection was met with excitement as South African cricket unearths another fast bowling prospect with a bright future.

Ngidi burst onto the international stage at the beginning of 2017 when he impressed in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, picking up six wickets.

A naturally aggressive bowler with plenty of pace, he immediately caught the eye.

But what was supposed to be a breakthrough year for Durban-born speedster quickly became a treacherous one as he battled injury throughout.

Injuries are never welcomed, but they are particularly concerning when they affect players as young as Ngidi.

As a result, there were immediately worries that he might be a player who is naturally injury-prone.

After months of rehab, Ngidi eventually made his comeback in October and hit the ground running. He has his pace back and looks physically stronger than he did before a side strain and then a problematic back ruled him out for most of last year.

"He is a guy who really does wear his heart on his sleeve and I’ve got no doubt he’s going to be fired up tomorrow when he does get his chance," Aiden Markram said of his Titans team-mate.

"He’s worked hard and it’s good to see good people getting rewarded.

"He’s got much stronger and fitter. He’s put in a lot of hard work in the gym, not just on the field."

Markram also believes that Ngidi's improved physical condition will give him a mental boost on the field.

"When you’re fit and strong you generally run in and don’t worry about getting injured," he explained.

"It’s good to see him bowling at 100% intensity. He is an x-factor bowler and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do."

Ngidi's first duty on the Test stage is likely to be with bat in hand. The Proteas will resume their first innings on Sunday morning on 269/6.

https://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/Proteas/x-factor-ngidi-selection-causes-a-buzz-20180113

 

[aloo paratha]

Can someone tell me how the hell to pronounce his name?

He has the basics, I think he'll have a good career.

 

[Markhor]

Can someone tell me how the hell to pronounce his name?

He has the basics, I think he'll have a good career.

In-gee-dee.

He's tall and powerfully built with an economical action. Doesn't move the ball away from the right hander though so needs to work on his wrist but has serious pace - operating at 140kph consistently. He'll do some damage on bouncy wickets.

Hope he stays fit...apart from when playing against us of course.

 

[Saj]

Looked pretty good.

Good pace and bounce and bowls mainly inswing to the right-handers.

 

[Suleiman]

Looks good. Shows how strong the SA structure is that even with stricter quota restrictions they still have the right bowling and batting resources to make a solid team.

 

[shah_1]

He was really impressive in his 2nd spell.

 

[UP]

I watched his spell live towards the end. He was impressive.

 

[Dark Magician]

Imagine if Abott was still there. Ngidi, Morris, and Olivier would be tearing the domestic setup without any rewards. Honourable mention to big Hardus Viljoen who's bigger and faster than all of them.

 

[Dark Magician]

What people don't seem to understand is that our school system will always produce good special cricketers. It's a conveyor belt that will never stop. Some of the schools have top top coaches that nature these kids from young and by the time a guy is around 19 everyone knows what they all about.

 

[hk031992]

What people don't seem to understand is that our school system will always produce good special cricketers. It's a conveyor belt that will never stop. Some of the schools have top top coaches that nature these kids from young and by the time a guy is around 19 everyone knows what they all about.

i envy your school system. The South African kids that i played against growing up in Qatar were incredible players- these guys spent their first 10-12 years of their lives in SA before moving to the middle east. And they weren't even the best players in the school system but still incredible.

 

[hadi123]

Looks to have serious potential.

 

[UN talkz]

He has got structure of a beast... #bigboy
Has got serious pace..... Another Rabada????

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Seeing him bowl after his debut in T20i now and he looks much better. Has worked really hard on his physique as has now put on a bit more muscle weight and looks far better. Pace is up in the mid 140's and follow through is improved on from before.

 

[Dark Magician]

Seeing him bowl after his debut in T20i now and he looks much better. Has worked really hard on his physique as has now put on a bit more muscle weight and looks far better. Pace is up in the mid 140's and follow through is improved on from before.

That's the thing that's impressed me. He's upped his pace and hasn't lost his accuracy.

 

[Theo_14]

What a talent. He's injuring the batsmen, for real.

 

[bujhee kom]

Fine talent. Saffers will dominate for a long time with these top draw young quicks. KG and Ngidi are serious bowlers.

 

[Dark Magician]

Rabada, Ngidi and Olivier are the future.

 

[Ab Fan]

Very good prospect. I think time has come to look beyond Steyn by giving him a retirement farewell. He doesnt have enough games left.

 

[Grunge101]

Good young prospect. hits the deck hard and bowls in good channels. Hes nippy, averaging 86mph in the 2nd innings and im sure he can add further to that pace as he grows older.

thats a seriously fearsome attack by the way. Morkel is 6'5'', Ngidi 6'4'' and Rabada 6'3''.

 

[Outswinger]

Steyn, Philander, Rabada and Ngidi. Make it happen.

 

[TeymurBlake]

The more he plays the better he will get Ngidi and Rabada together can cause all types of destruction. Don't we have a tour of South Africa this year?

 

[Amirforpresident]

Imagine what Philander, Rabada, Ngidi and Morkel are going to do to us later this year.

We will be seeing scores of 43 all out and 65 all out

 

[UP]

Imagine what Philander, Rabada, Ngidi and Morkel are going to do to us later this year.

We will be seeing scores of 43 all out and 65 all out

That’s a horrible sight to even imagine. We will be sitting ducks. Expect a whitewash

 

[Abdullah719]

Imagine what Philander, Rabada, Ngidi and Morkel are going to do to us later this year.

We will be seeing scores of 43 all out and 65 all out

We need the man of crisis back in the Test team.

 

[Bewal Express]

I knew he was quite quick, from what i had seen of him i thought he would be around 85mph in test cricket. After watching in this test he is more around the 87mph and hits the bat hard.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Imagine what Philander, Rabada, Ngidi and Morkel are going to do to us later this year.

We will be seeing scores of 43 all out and 65 all out

At least we won't be disappointed.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

We need the man of crisis back in the Test team.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man.

 

[Amirforpresident]

That’s a horrible sight to even imagine. We will be sitting ducks. Expect a whitewash

haha, the only thing i am looking forward to is seeing Abbas and Hasan bowling on those pitches.

 

[Amirforpresident]

At least we won't be disappointed.

It would be good if we tried some new bowlers in SA.

Who would you like to see from the bowlers who haven't played Test before?

 

[Chief Destroyer]

It would be good if we tried some new bowlers in SA.

Who would you like to see from the bowlers who haven't played Test before?

I would take Bashir and Waqas to SA.

 

[ExplicitAI]

Another quality fast bowler produced by SA, they're so good to watch. Just when Rabada is recognised as an upcoming world beater we now have Ngidi who's got good speeds. SA's fast bowling hasn't dimmed at all in the twilight of Steyn's career.

 

[Dark Magician]

Good young prospect. hits the deck hard and bowls in good channels. Hes nippy, averaging 86mph in the 2nd innings and im sure he can add further to that pace as he grows older.

thats a seriously fearsome attack by the way. Morkel is 6'5'', Ngidi 6'4'' and Rabada 6'3''.

He was pushing 150 clicks in the first Innings. Consistently bowling at 142, 143.

 

[giri26]

He is a very good bowler. SA pace bowling attack is probably the best right now. They also have a very good spin bowler as well.

 

[New Yorker]

Another quality fast bowler produced by SA, they're so good to watch. Just when Rabada is recognised as an upcoming world beater we now have Ngidi who's got good speeds. SA's fast bowling hasn't dimmed at all in the twilight of Steyn's career.

Pure hogwash that Australia has the best pace attack right now. Rabada current no 1, Steyn and Philander former no 1's, then, meet Ngidi. And Morkel is the 'backup.'

 

[dauntless]

Excellent prospect he seems just like kagiso rabada.Exciting times ahead!!

 

[New Yorker]

It would be good if we tried some new bowlers in SA.

Who would you like to see from the bowlers who haven't played Test before?

Sadaf. 6 5'

 

[Major]

So you got

Rabada
Lungi Ngidi
Vernon Philander
Morne Morkel

All coming into the attack.. Best bowling attack in test cricket. You cant beat these guys

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

So you got

Rabada
Lungi Ngidi
Vernon Philander
Morne Morkel

All coming into the attack.. Best bowling attack in test cricket. You cant beat these guys

The 'weak link' is this bowling attack is a newbie who bowls like a veteran. And their best bowler, Steyn, ain't even playing.

Some bowling attack this one!

 

[Abdullah719]

Virat Kohli's scalp was a special moment, reveals Lungi Ngidi after Centurion Test win

South Africa pacer Lungi Ngidi today said that trapping Virat Kohli, one of the world’s best batsmen, lbw in India‘s second innings of the second Test was a special moment. The Test debutant went on to take 6 for 39 on Day Five as India crashed to 151 all-out and lost the series 2-0.

“The moment for me I think was the captain ‘s wicket. That was a very special moment and I felt that I had worked hard and sort of figured out a gameplan of bowling towards him. So finally getting that really did mean a lot to me,” Ngidi said after winning the Man-of-the-Match award for taking 7 wickets for 90 runs in the second Test.

Playing on his home ground, where he represents the Titans, Ngidi was cheered by the crowd throughout this game, in particular when he dismissed Kohli. He was also given a standing ovation after he tore through India’s lineup on day five.

“To be honest, it’s actually difficult to describe. It’s not something I’m used to, so every time it really does hit me. You get goosebumps and get nervous all over again. It really is an honour to have people appreciate the work that you’re doing out there, so it’s hard to describe but it really is a blessing,” the debutant stated.

Kagiso Rabada, the world’s No. 1 Test bowler, also took 3 for 47 as the young pace-duo plotted India’s downfall.

“I do remember that moment and it did strike me when I was thrown the ball and he was bowling at the other end. During the game I couldn’t say anything, I had to internalise it, but it really was a dream come true to bowl with him. It has been a dream of mine. He actually has a lot of knowledge for a youngster as well. He is No. 1 in the world and it shows. We had been chatting throughout the innings and he had been giving me idea, and to see them work is special as well,” said Ngidi.

The youngster became the seventh Proteas pacer to achieve a five-wicket haul after Lance Klusener (8 for 62 vs India in 1996), Charles Langeveldt (5 for 46 vs England in 2005), Vernon Philander (5 for 15 vs Australia in 2011), Merchant de Lange (7 for 81 vs Sri Lanka in 2011) and Kyle Abbott (7 for 29 vs Pakistan in 2013).

“I’d love this to be a long career. I know many people talk about how injuries have affected me in the past, but I feel like this is a new start. In the past, I didn’t know what I was doing, to be honest. Now I’ve sort of found my feet and I know which path I’m going down as a cricketer. I’d also like it to be one of the long careers and maybe go down on the honours board. I actually watched a lot of Andre Nel and was convinced that I had the same bowling action as him, but I realise now that isn’t true. Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn, those were my idols that I looked up to,” Ngidi signed off.

http://www.cricketcountry.com/news/...s-lungi-ngidi-after-centurion-test-win-678907

 

[kingusama92]

South Africa and Australia are truly exceptional at producing world-class fast bowlers.

Ngidi just walked in and wreaked havoc like a seasoned pro.

 

[Hasan123]

Want to see more of him . South Africa keep churning out the fast bowlers. Him and Rabada sbould be a good pairing .

 

[soso_killer]

In-gee-dee.

He's tall and powerfully built with an economical action. Doesn't move the ball away from the right hander though so needs to work on his wrist but has serious pace - operating at 140kph consistently. He'll do some damage on bouncy wickets.

Hope he stays fit...apart from when playing against us of course.

Ngee-dee similar to Ntee-nee (Ntini).

 

[hadi123]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just listened to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LungiDance?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LungiDance</a> song loving it already ❤&#55357;&#56834;</p>— Lungi Ngidi (@NgidiLungi) <a href="https://twitter.com/NgidiLungi/status/957527362312302592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Signs for CSK

 

[Azeem Zafar]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just listened to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LungiDance?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LungiDance</a> song loving it already ❤��</p>— Lungi Ngidi (@NgidiLungi) <a href="https://twitter.com/NgidiLungi/status/957527362312302592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Signs for CSK

Lungi wearing a lungi with CSK kit & doing lungi dance would be one hell of a sight.

 

[SandyB]

Lungi wearing a lungi with CSK kit & doing lungi dance would be one hell of a sight.

A lot of us South Indians find that song super cringey TBH. The lyrics doesn't even make sense. Who mixes Lassi in Coconut water !

 

[Hasan123]

As a CSK fan, I'm happy with this signing.

 

[MenInG]

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has extended heartfelt condolences to Standard Bank Proteas fast bowler, Lungi Ngidi, along with his family, following the sudden passing of his father on Friday. Mr Jerome Ngidi passed away suddenly at a KwaZulu-Natal hospital, and is survived by his wife, Bongi, and four sons of which Ngidi is the youngest.

“Cricket South Africa is shocked and deeply saddened by the passing away of Mr Ngidi. We would like to extend our most sincere condolences to Lungi and his family. May the Lord be with him and comfort the rest of the Ngidi Family during this difficult time,” said CSA President, Chris Nenzani.

"I am taking this moment to pass my condolences to the Ngidi family. It has to be even more difficult to lose a father figure at such a young age for Lungi. May the soul of Mr Ngidi rest peacefully,” concluded CSA Acting Chief Executive, Thabang Moroe.

Ngidi will travel back to South Africa from the Indian Premier League (IPL) as soon as possible.

 

[hk031992]

sad, RIP to Jerome Ngidi

 

[cricketjoshila]

Condolences to Lungi and his family.

 

[Hasan123]

Sad news.

 

[MenInG]

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi said that South Africa are eager to right their record against India when they meet at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019.

India beat South Africa 5-1 when the two teams last clashed, during the former's tour of the country in early 2018. South Africa were without several key players on that occasion, with Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers and Quinton de Kock all ruled out, leaving a then 23-yer-old Aiden Markram to captain the side.

Ngidi believes that although India are a good team, a full strength South African side would be capable of giving them tough competition when they meet at the World Cup on 5 June in Southampton.

"I believe we owe them one," the 23-year-old said. "I'm looking forward to India. When they came here, they had a good series against us. So in my mind, I believe we owe them one. It would be a very exciting game for me. I'm sure it will be for all the guys as well.

"They're a great team, don't take that away from them. But when they had a good series here, we were missing a few players. With those guys back, we'll see how it evens out a bit."

Ngidi, who has already impressed in his ODI career despite being just 18 matches old, said that he dreams of winning the flagship tournament. "Since I started this journey in international cricket, it's something that was always brought to my attention: that there's a World cup coming, and am I looking to be within that squad?

England are hosts, they're considered to be favourites and that's an advantage for us.
Lungi Ngidi

"And now I'm here, and there's no turning back. Nothing but excitement going there, and it would be a dream come true to win that World Cup and bring it back to South African soil."

The right-arm pacer, who has picked up 34 ODI wickets at an average of 21.64, felt that the pressure that England would be carrying as hosts bodes well for South Africa, when the two teams open the tournament on 30 May at The Oval.

"We are well-aware that they are probably under a lot more pressure than we are," he said. "They are hosts, they're considered to be favourites and that's an advantage for us. We obviously want to win, and if we do, it would send a massive statement."

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1222459

 

[Mean&Green]

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi said that South Africa are eager to right their record against India when they meet at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019.

India beat South Africa 5-1 when the two teams last clashed, during the former's tour of the country in early 2018. South Africa were without several key players on that occasion, with Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers and Quinton de Kock all ruled out, leaving a then 23-yer-old Aiden Markram to captain the side.

Ngidi believes that although India are a good team, a full strength South African side would be capable of giving them tough competition when they meet at the World Cup on 5 June in Southampton.

"I believe we owe them one," the 23-year-old said. "I'm looking forward to India. When they came here, they had a good series against us. So in my mind, I believe we owe them one. It would be a very exciting game for me. I'm sure it will be for all the guys as well.

"They're a great team, don't take that away from them. But when they had a good series here, we were missing a few players. With those guys back, we'll see how it evens out a bit."

Ngidi, who has already impressed in his ODI career despite being just 18 matches old, said that he dreams of winning the flagship tournament. "Since I started this journey in international cricket, it's something that was always brought to my attention: that there's a World cup coming, and am I looking to be within that squad?

England are hosts, they're considered to be favourites and that's an advantage for us.
Lungi Ngidi

"And now I'm here, and there's no turning back. Nothing but excitement going there, and it would be a dream come true to win that World Cup and bring it back to South African soil."

The right-arm pacer, who has picked up 34 ODI wickets at an average of 21.64, felt that the pressure that England would be carrying as hosts bodes well for South Africa, when the two teams open the tournament on 30 May at The Oval.

"We are well-aware that they are probably under a lot more pressure than we are," he said. "They are hosts, they're considered to be favourites and that's an advantage for us. We obviously want to win, and if we do, it would send a massive statement."

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1222459

I hope he’s fit South Africa really needs him and now people please don’t say he’s arrogant or anything I don’t mind it coming from these guys they can actually back it up rabada and him are one of the best in the world wish him good luck

 

[MenInG]

Lungi Ngidi went off the grid before traveling to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup but the South African quick insists he is charged up and ready for his shot at history.


Lungi Ngidi went off the grid before traveling to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup but the South African quick insists he is charged up and ready for his shot at history.

The 23-year-old switched his phone off and disappeared for a week to let his call-up sink in, the highlight in a meteoric rise that has seen him progress from raw youngster to dominant opening bowler in just 18 months.

The right-armer only made his one-day debut in February last year but he has quickly become a focal point of the attack, taking 34 wickets in 18 games so far.

Ngidi has also made his mark in the other two formats – he took 6-39 on his Test debut against India - but it’s a place in Ottis Gibson’s squad that really stopped him in his tracks.

“Before we came on this tour, I had to take a week to get away from everything. It did not have time to sink in,” he said.

“I went away for a few days and turned my phone off to just let what is happening soak in. I have always dreamed of going to a World Cup and now it’s happening.

“I needed that time. Things can so easily fly by and you forget just how special they are. I had a lot of messages when I turned it back on and I still haven’t responded to them all.

“My mum and dad turned their phones off too because people know if they can’t contact me, they will contact them instead!”

For Ngidi, it’s the realisation of a dream 16 years in the making.

He sat glued to the 2003 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup where his idol, Shaun Pollock, led the South African attack on home soil and he now wants to create a legacy of his own.

“Everything has happened faster than I expected so I am just trying to take everything in my stride,” he added.

“This is my first World Cup, I am very excited and so I have nothing but a positive mindset.

“There has been a lot of talk and hype around the World Cup but I have blocked that out from my preparation and from what I want to achieve.

“I remember watching the tournament we hosted in 2003 and that was an amazing memory. I remember them losing and seeing how distraught they all were, it was engraved on my mind.

“They were looking to change history and now we are doing the same and win South Africa's first. I am very excited at that prospect.”

Gibson’s instruction to the 90mph bowler is simple: bowl hard and fast to take wickets at both the beginning and end of an innings.

With Kagiso Rabada – the world’s fifth-ranked one-day bowler – also in the mix, South Africa boast one of the most potent partnerships in the tournament.

England are the first side to face them this summer when they play in the tournament’s opener at The Oval and Ngidi is already counting down the days.

“There will be some butterflies but bowling that first ball is the stuff you look forward to and the stuff you want to experience,” he added.

“The first step for me is the semi-finals. We have six games to win and that is the main target. That’s all I am thinking about."

https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-zone/news/1224670

 

[tyron_woodley]

not good enough at the moment but is clearly talented.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Talented lad who is gonna trouble many lesser teams.

Hitman smashed him for back to back sixes on his way to double hundred.

 

[Danyaalr01]

I'm not too impressed tbh. He seems like a line and length bowler. Bowls 130-140 kph, and around 130-135 in tests. He might be useful in South Afrcia, New Zealand, West Indies and England, but not anywhere else.
He has time on his side though, he can get better.

 

[Shoaib88]

I'm not too impressed tbh. He seems like a line and length bowler. Bowls 130-140 kph, and around 130-135 in tests. He might be useful in South Afrcia, New Zealand, West Indies and England, but not anywhere else.
He has time on his side though, he can get better.

You cann't judge a fast bowler based on their performances in India, thats like judging a spinner based on his performances in South Africa. India is the probably the hardest place for any fast bowler to perform.

 

[tyron_woodley]

You cann't judge a fast bowler based on their performances in India, thats like judging a spinner based on his performances in South Africa. India is the probably the hardest place for any fast bowler to perform.

he is trash on flat wickets. he won't be good in sub continent. Good for swing/seam conditions in England and s.africs though. Also in Australia where there is bounce.

 

[Danyaalr01]

You cann't judge a fast bowler based on their performances in India, thats like judging a spinner based on his performances in South Africa. India is the probably the hardest place for any fast bowler to perform.

I said he won't be useful on Asian or even Aussie tracks due to the lack of seam movement. He still has time to improve though.

I especially wasn't impressed in ODIs as he bowls too many loose deliviries and he will get hit arounnd a lot on some days, but he does seem to be a wicket taker. If he can be a bit more accurate in the shorter formats then he can be useful.

 

[Hasan123]

Injuries have slowed him down.

 

[MenInG]

Just 7 runs to defend in a T20 game vs England - and he does it!

Well done to Ngidi

 

[Hasan123]

You can see why South Africa are desperate to get him on the pitch in all formats. Really did well at the death today.

 

[Titan24]

Has been struggling with the new ball however, has been coming back well in later half with older ball.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Injuries have slowed him down.

yes he will be back though. exciting bowler. Love his action. Maybe needs to lose a bit of weight

 

[minamino]

Not as good as Rabada but not bad either.

 

[Bewal Express]

Has become too muscly and doesn't look right.

 

[shah_1]

Good for this T20 stuff

He didn't have anything apart from slower deliveries. He doesn't have the same pace as well. Okay bowler

 

[Hasan123]

yes he will be back though. exciting bowler. Love his action. Maybe needs to lose a bit of weight

He has been working with a specialist on getting in shape and staying fit.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Overrated bowler.
He usually struggles with the new ball and was totally out of touch in the last world cup, never saw anything special in his bowling.
Nortje is better.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Overrated bowler.
He usually struggles with the new ball and was totally out of touch in the last world cup, never saw anything special in his bowling.
Nortje is better.

he ripped through the imidisn batting lineup in a 2018 test match. Novelty factor?

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

he ripped through the imidisn batting lineup in a 2018 test match. Novelty factor?

Well those pitches were amongst the toughest india had to face.
I remember his spell, there was uneven bounce on the pitch and the ball he bowled to kohli remained low, it wasnt a great spell by any means. He took advantage of uneven bounce nothing more.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Well those pitches were amongst the toughest india had to face.
I remember his spell, there was uneven bounce on the pitch and the ball he bowled to kohli remained low, it wasnt a great spell by any means. He took advantage of uneven bounce nothing more.

ah ok. so basically a novelty factor as well lol. Well maybe you are right hey. I do think he can improve but the ball is in his court.

 

[Abdullah719]

6/58 against Australia today.

 

[Hasan123]

53 wickets is in 27 games.

That finished cricket nation keep on producing players. But we are told they are finished.

 

[Saj]

Standard Bank Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi believes he is mentally stronger after a few seasons that have been disrupted by various injuries, saying that this past year in particular, he coped well with his latest setbacks.

The 24-year-old missed South Africa’s four-match Test series against England in December and January after sustaining a hamstring injury during the Mzansi Super League (MSL) where he was turning out for the Tshwane Spartans.

Ngidi has had a tough time since making his international debut in 2017, with problems ranging from hip to abdominal and side strains to knee niggles – the list is a tough one to contend with. But he has soldiered on and claimed nine wickets in two outings when the Proteas whitewashed Australia 3-0 in their last One-Day International (ODI) Series on home soil for the 2019/20 season.

“I'd say the road back to cricket wasn't as bad as people think,” Ngidi reflected. “I'm not shy to work hard, so it wasn't an unfamiliar area for me and to be honest, I didn't feel as though I was down and out.

“Like I've always said, every person has a different formula and I was still trying to figure mine out and going to (fitness) camp with the CoE (Cricket South Africa Centre of Excellence in January) helped me do that. I figured out that I've probably got to work a lot harder than then other people. It doesn't come as naturally. So it just helped me and put me down the right path.

“I think I've always been pretty strong mentally, so I didn't have any issues there,” he continued. “People always have opinions and will always speak but that doesn't mean it's always right. The only thing I could do is just focus on the work that I had to do and I seem to have reaped the benefits in the last few games that we had played.”

It has been a challenging home summer for South Africa overall. They lost their only Test series 3-1 to England, before the 50-over world champions drew the one-day international leg of the tour (1-1) and won their three-match Twenty20 sequence 2-1.

The Proteas also lost a T20 contest (2-1) against Australia but bounced back to beat the same opponents 3-0 in the ODIs.

“The team did very well in the end, there were a lot of steps in the right direction,” Ngidi added. “Obviously, there’s still a lot of work to be done but it was very good to see those wins… I just think you can see the other teams have had these teams for a very long time and we've got probably another four or five new guys that have come into the team now.

“For us it's obviously a different phase but it's moving in the right direction. It was good to see the wins that were happening but there's still a bit of work to do.”

Ngidi, also praised the impact of returning fast bowling coach Charl Langeveldt. He took 25 wickets in 10 limited-over matches for the Proteas in the summer, including career-best figures of 6/58 in his last encounter against Australia.

“Having Langeveldt back has been really good for me,” he explained. “He’s been very supportive and encourages the way I think. As a bowler I feel really comfortable with executing my plans and I never fear that the bowling coach is not going to agree with my plan. He understands me and he’s been there before, he’s been in situations where you have the ball and you have to deviate from the game plan. He’s got a lot of knowledge and he himself was a very skilful bowler, he’s helped me a lot,” Ngidi concluded.

 

[sweep_shot]

Ngidi is a good prospect. He is the best SA has right now after Rabada.

 

[tyron_woodley]

what a bowler for SENA conditions.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

I will say again, he is one of the most overrated bowler going around these days.
Will get smashed against good teams more often than not.

 

[Saj]

Proteas fast bowler, Lungi Ngidi, said the team is very much “on the same page” after they parted ways at the conclusion of their team culture camp last week. The 32-strong collective agreed that it was time to put aside their past baggage and tendency of talking about what they want to achieve, and it was time to “walk the talk” and win matches once they return to play.

“We got straight to the point – we need to win games,” Ngidi stated. “Obviously, working out a formula on how to do that is always an on-going thing. It’s not just one simple thing in terms of ‘do this and you win games.’ I think there’s a lot of trial and error and with a lot of new guys as well, we’re going to have a lot of new ideas and new ways of approaching things but all in all, the bottom line is, we need to win games.”

The group assembled in Skukuza to discuss various topics of importance to them and to work on a team culture that would reflect the current group of players and the way they want to experience the team environment going forward. Ngidi said he enjoyed the days they spent together and was pleased with the conversations that took place, particularly about team performance, transformation, race and equality.

“Having left there, I felt we had discussed and reached the objectives of the camp. I felt happy leaving as a player, I understood everything a lot better. Everyone being on the same page puts us in a good position moving forward,” Ngidi continued. “A lot of things have been addressed. These shouldn’t be things that affect our performance on the field.

“Around the discussions surrounding transformation and race around the team environment, it was very uncomfortable in that moment obviously, but it was something that was needed to be done.

“A lot of guys shared their stories and how they felt from the different racial groups. You understand how people feel and with transformation, we also understand that it doesn’t come from the players, it comes from the system and that a lot of people needed to understand why it’s in place and having these conversations and helping people understand why certain things are the way that they are, I feel, put a lot more people in a position of understanding,” he went on.

“We all know that you play for South Africa on merit and not because of the colour of your skin. I think the greatest thing was helping everyone understand why. I feel like sometimes people are scared or embarrassed to ask, so being able to speak out in that environment really cleared up a lot of grey areas for a lot of people.”

The 24-year-old is not wary of tackling difficult topics such as the Black Lives Matter (BLM) conversation within the South African context. He believes that the sooner individuals within the team reach a place of understanding of their fellow teammate, the better the collective will work together and for one another. This went hand in hand with the group’s commitment to creating an environment and culture that is accepting and embracing the diversity they boast as South Africans and using it as a nation-building tool as well as an advantage on the field of play when they finally don the green and gold again.

He said:

“With the conversation around BLM, I think the most important thing is it’s opened communication and helped a lot of people understand (where others were coming from). The main thing that the BLM conversation within South Africa about race, transformation and equality, is that it’s highlighted a lot of things that need to be addressed and for anyone who didn’t understand, guys were willing to communicate and explain, so I think it has definitely helped within the team. I think the main thing is helping people be able to speak about issues that they find uncomfortable.

“For rules of engagement, I feel that people should be allowed to be themselves without fear of being judged and for me, that’s because I know I play my best cricket when I’m being myself. If I can’t be myself, I don’t feel like I’m giving 100% of who I am and what I can do. So, for me that was one of the most important things – to be able to come into an environment and not feel like you have to conform to a certain way in order fit in. We accept everyone the way they are, and everyone is different, which is what makes the team so great and the environment so great.

“The updated values system is very relevant to our country and the type of team that we want to build. Belonging – everyone needs to feel welcome, empathy and respect – once you understand someone a lot better, you can relate and conversate and have open discussions (with them), so these new values systems are very important and in the end, we felt that these are what we are going to use moving forward.

“With South Africa being such a diverse nation, we actually found that it’s one of our strengths and why we’re such a resilient team,” Ngidi concluded.

 

[MenInG]

“We need to win games” – Ngidi

Proteas fast bowler, Lungi Ngidi, said the team is very much “on the same page” after they parted ways at the conclusion of their team culture camp last week. The 32-strong collective agreed that it was time to put aside their past baggage and tendency of talking about what they want to achieve, and it was time to “walk the talk” and win matches once they return to play.

“We got straight to the point – we need to win games,” Ngidi stated. “Obviously, working out a formula on how to do that is always an on-going thing. It’s not just one simple thing in terms of ‘do this and you win games.’ I think there’s a lot of trial and error and with a lot of new guys as well, we’re going to have a lot of new ideas and new ways of approaching things but all in all, the bottom line is, we need to win games.”

The group assembled in Skukuza to discuss various topics of importance to them and to work on a team culture that would reflect the current group of players and the way they want to experience the team environment going forward. Ngidi said he enjoyed the days they spent together and was pleased with the conversations that took place, particularly about team performance, transformation, race and equality.

“Having left there, I felt we had discussed and reached the objectives of the camp. I felt happy leaving as a player, I understood everything a lot better. Everyone being on the same page puts us in a good position moving forward,” Ngidi continued. “A lot of things have been addressed. These shouldn’t be things that affect our performance on the field.

“Around the discussions surrounding transformation and race around the team environment, it was very uncomfortable in that moment obviously, but it was something that was needed to be done.

“A lot of guys shared their stories and how they felt from the different racial groups. You understand how people feel and with transformation, we also understand that it doesn’t come from the players, it comes from the system and that a lot of people needed to understand why it’s in place and having these conversations and helping people understand why certain things are the way that they are, I feel, put a lot more people in a position of understanding,” he went on.

“We all know that you play for South Africa on merit and not because of the colour of your skin. I think the greatest thing was helping everyone understand why. I feel like sometimes people are scared or embarrassed to ask, so being able to speak out in that environment really cleared up a lot of grey areas for a lot of people.”

The 24-year-old is not wary of tackling difficult topics such as the Black Lives Matter (BLM) conversation within the South African context. He believes that the sooner individuals within the team reach a place of understanding of their fellow teammate, the better the collective will work together and for one another. This went hand in hand with the group’s commitment to creating an environment and culture that is accepting and embracing the diversity they boast as South Africans and using it as a nation-building tool as well as an advantage on the field of play when they finally don the green and gold again.

He said:

“With the conversation around BLM, I think the most important thing is it’s opened communication and helped a lot of people understand (where others were coming from). The main thing that the BLM conversation within South Africa about race, transformation and equality, is that it’s highlighted a lot of things that need to be addressed and for anyone who didn’t understand, guys were willing to communicate and explain, so I think it has definitely helped within the team. I think the main thing is helping people be able to speak about issues that they find uncomfortable.

“For rules of engagement, I feel that people should be allowed to be themselves without fear of being judged and for me, that’s because I know I play my best cricket when I’m being myself. If I can’t be myself, I don’t feel like I’m giving 100% of who I am and what I can do. So, for me that was one of the most important things – to be able to come into an environment and not feel like you have to conform to a certain way in order fit in. We accept everyone the way they are, and everyone is different, which is what makes the team so great and the environment so great.

“The updated values system is very relevant to our country and the type of team that we want to build. Belonging – everyone needs to feel welcome, empathy and respect – once you understand someone a lot better, you can relate and conversate and have open discussions (with them), so these new values systems are very important and in the end, we felt that these are what we are going to use moving forward.

“With South Africa being such a diverse nation, we actually found that it’s one of our strengths and why we’re such a resilient team,” Ngidi concluded.