Lungi Ngidi states Proteas new ball ambition

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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.”

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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.”

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