Lungi Ngidi’s triumphant return to the Test Arena

by Lwandiso Simanga

Lungi Ngidi’s rise to international cricket once sparked nationwide excitement in South Africa. Towering at 1.93 metres and delivering express pace with remarkable accuracy, he was seen as the perfect complement to fellow quick Kagiso Rabada. His arrival rekindled dreams of a formidable bowling duo dominating the world stage.

Ngidi made an unforgettable Test debut in 2018 against India at Centurion, grabbing six wickets and earning Player of the Match honours. A year later, he led the pace attack alongside Rabada during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, showing great promise for South Africa’s future.

image: Proteas Men {X}

However, Ngidi’s journey has been anything but smooth. Over the years, his pace declined, dropping from the 140km/h range to the low 130s. Coupled with concerns about fitness and form, his performances suffered, leading to his exclusion from the Test squad during Shukri Conrad’s tenure as head coach. Emerging talents like Gerald Coetzee overtook him in the pecking order, and his return to the national team seemed uncertain.

Ngidi’s fortunes changed during the India series, where he was recalled after Coetzee sustained an injury. Despite limited recent game time, he was surprisingly included in the playing XI for the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s. His selection over Dane Paterson, who had been crucial in getting South Africa to the final raised eyebrows.

Ngidi initially struggled, going wicketless in Australia’s first innings and conceding valuable runs. But on day two, he turned the tide with a brilliant spell. Dismissing Steve Smith, Beau Webster, and bowling Pat Cummins, he ended with figures of 3/35, proving his critics wrong.

At 29, Ngidi’s resilience and ability to deliver under pressure reaffirmed his value to the Proteas setup, offering hope that his best days in Test cricket may still lie ahead.