Published: Apr 17, 2020, 06:58 AM (IST)
Edited: Apr 17, 2020, 10:08 AM (IST)
Since his debut against India in 2018, South Africa fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has shown signs that he has it in him to establish himself as one of the best in business. Ngidi, South Africa’s leading white-ball wicket-taker in 2020, hailed the impact of bowling coach Charl Langeveldt following a stunning return to form in limited-overs series against England and Australia a the end of the season.
After spending eight months on the sidelines, Ngidi picked up 12 wickets at an average of 16.08 in four ODIs. He also clinched 13 wickets in six Twenty20 matches to prove his white-ball credentials as South Africa’s most potent seamer.
“He is very supportive, he encourages me to play the way I think, so as a bowler I feel really comfortable with executing my plans,” Ngidi said in a Cricket South Africa audio.
“I never feel as though he will not agree with what I am saying. He has been there before, he has been in situations where you have the ball and you have to deviate from the game-plan. He has got a lot of knowledge, and was a very skilful bowler. It has helped my cricket a lot.”
The 24-year-old Ngidi credits former Proteas pacer Langeveldt for his return to form. The latter was appointed as South Africa’s bowling coach. Langeveldt joined SA’s coaching camp headed by full-time coach Mark Boucher in December.
Despite his success, Ngidi feels he still has a lot more work to do to hit his best form.
“I would rate it (the season) at about a six (out of 10). It was good, but to me it was still not good enough. There were a few games I could have gone for less runs,” he said.
“I did pick up a few wickets, but it is not the finished product. I still feel I can deliver a whole lot more and be a whole lot better.”
South Africa are due to tour Sri Lanka for a limited-overs series in June, though that is looking increasingly unlikely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
