Lungi Ngidi states Proteas new ball ambition

Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is eager to earn the honour of taking the new ball for South Africa in Test cricket.
Having returned from an Indian Premier League campaign which culminated in his Chennai Super Kings side winning the trophy Ngidi wants to prove himself in the ultimate format for his country.
Speaking at a medis briefing Ngidi said: “I want to take the new ball for my country, so I’m trying to perform as best as I can and put myself in the best position to be selected.
“It’s a big responsibility but it’s part of the game and is something I’ve always wanted. I’m going to keep working towards that and focus on my own game and contribute towards my country as best as I can.”
Ngidi feels that his time in the IPL will help him perform better in Sri Lanka in July now that he has played on the subcontinent.
“The wickets were a lot better than I expected,” said Ngidi.
“That was pleasing. I’m not saying it will be the same in Sri Lanka, but just to be able to play in those conditions, in terms of the heat, humidity has put me in a better position to face Sri Lankan conditions.
“The line and lengths are crucial there. I just made sure I was attacking that fourth stump, hitting the top of the stumps and making the batsmen play. It’s a cliche we hear but it’s not so easy to execute on the field and keep repeating it. Those are the most important things about bowling in sub-continent conditions.”
ALSO READ: Gibson: Philander and Steyn could be in World Cup plans
Ngidi knows that even after Morne Morkel’s retirement competition for places in the Proteas pace attack will be fierce but he has taken great confidence from his displays against Australia.
He added: “It’s difficult for me only having played a few international games.
“We still have Dale, Vern and KG who are still frontline bowlers. I’m just trying to add to the pack and strengthen the group. It’s difficult to say where I fit in at the moment, but whenever [I am] called upon there’s a job to do.
“The Australia series really helped me realize where I fit in the picture, running into guys like that and being able to bowl decently was nice to see.”
Latest
-
News
New faces but no complete reset – talking points as England take on West Indies
Six members of the World Cup squad will be in action again in the Caribbean.
-
News
Will Jacks looks at positives after England central contract snub
The big-hitting all-rounder found out he did not have a deal through social media.
-
England
Jos Buttler motivated by poor World Cup to drive England forward
Buttler did not make a single fifty and averaged just 15.33 in nine group-stage matches in India.
-
Pakistan
Pakistan appoint Salman Butt to first official role since spot-fixing conviction
In 2011, Butt was jailed for 30 months for his part in a conspiracy to bowl deliberate no-balls during the Test against England at Lord’s.
-
England
Five bad weeks do not define a team – England’s Ben Duckett
Duckett has cast doubt on England overhauling their white-ball approach.
-
County Cricket
Lancashire sign Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon for 2024 season
Lyon has plenty of experience in England and appeared for Worcestershire in 2017.
-
England
Ben Stokes has surgery in attempt to resolve long-standing knee injury
Stokes revealed earlier this month he intended to have an operation at the end of the World Cup.
-
England
John Turner aiming to push T20 World Cup hopes on England’s tour of Caribbean
The 22-year-old fast bowler could make his international debut as part of a new-look ODI side in Antigua on Sunday.
-
England
ECB boss admits challenges remain for cricket after positive impact report
The ECB’s Impact of Cricket Report published on Tuesday, shows playing the sport helps people support their mental wellbeing.
-
Indian Premier League
Archer, Brook and Rashid join list of England players who will not play in IPL
Archer has been released by Mumbai Indians, while Brook and Rashid have been released by Sunrisers Hyderabad.