Lungi Ngidi sizzled on his Test debut. The quick took six for 39 in the second innings for South Africa in the second Test against India at Centurion in early 2018. Injuries may have marred his career since then, but he remains one of the key bowlers for the Proteas, for whom he has claimed 204 wickets in international cricket across formats.
Excerpts from Ngidi’s interview with The Hindu : South Africa has a great tradition of producing quality fast bowlers. Who were the pacers that you wanted to emulate, growing up? Makhaya Ntini was definitely one. You know, he is my idol.
He has also coached me. I had gone to a camp for Under-15 or 16, and he was there. And he gave me a lot of tips there.
I have also admired Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander. I was fortunate enough to play with some of these guys as well. So, I think one day when I retire, I can look back at my career and say, I think I did all right.
Bruise brothers: Ngidi has greatly enjoyed his pace partnership with Kagiso Rabada (left), whom he calls one of his best friends. | Photo credit: Getty Images How has it been bowling alongside Kagiso Rabada all these years? KG is one of my best friends, so it is always a lot of fun playing with him. We started playing together since, I think, we were 16.
We have been playing together for 11 years now. So, yeah, basically it is like playing along with my brother. So I enjoy it a lot.
I try to work in partnership with KG whenever I bowl with him an.
