Ngidi: Test wicket gave me goosebumps
South Africa newest Test cap, fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, reflected on his first Test wicket on Sunday, saying it gave him goosebumps and made him believe that he can perform at the highest level.
Ngidi had an eventful second day of the second Test in Centurion, scoring his first run, then getting a run-out when threw down the stumps to dismiss Cheteshwar Pujara and then got in the wickets column as he had Parthiv Patel edge behind to Quinton de Kock.
The Titans paceman ended the day with figures of 1-23 in nine overs and spoke afterwards about how he set Patel up from around the wicket to induce the edge.
REPORT: Kohli keeps sniffing Proteas at bay
Ngidi told reporters afterwards: “I actually had goosebumps. I was talking to Vernon (Philander) in terms of gameplans on how to get that wicket.
“Listening to someone with so much knowledge, and it planning out exactly the way he was telling me, it made me really happy and believe that I can perform at this level.
“A Test debut was a dream of mine and I’m happy to say it came true on my home ground. It was a very good day. If I’m hyper-critical, I could have done a bit better. But I’ll take it.”
The 21-year-old, who had only played nine first-class games before his Test debut, has not always had it his own way in his short senior career.
Having made his T20I debut early last year and the world at his feet, he was struck down by injury which kept him out for most of 2017.
Ngidi added: “That [the injury] was one of the biggest challenges I have had in my career, going from such a high to such a low in such a short space of time.
“It was tough for me because I thought I was doing all the right things but the results just weren’t going my way. I got a lot of time to reflect and get to know myself as a person, and I got through it.
“I am a lot stronger than I thought I was. It helped me with a lot of confidence going forward.”
Latest
-
News
England Women wrap up 4-1 series victory in New Zealand
Heather Knight top-scored with 35 in England’s chase of 137.
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.