Debasis Sen, Centurion: South Africa’s young pacer Lungi Ngidi made a sensational Test debut in the second Test at Centurion as he took six wickets in the second innings to help his side to win the match and with this the Proteas has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series. Ngidi debut was made sweeter when he took the wicket of India skipper Virat Kohli in the second innings. After the match Ngidi also said that Virat’s wicket was very special for him.
“The moment for me I think was the captain’s wicket. That was a very special moment and I felt that I had worked hard and sort of figured out a game plan of bowling towards him. So finally getting that really did mean a lot to me,” said Ngidi said at the post-match press-conference today.
Nigidi further added that, it was a dream of him to share the ball with fellow African speedster Kagiso Rabada and he is happy that his dream has become true.
“I do remember that moment and it did strike me when I was thrown the ball and he was bowling at the other end. During the game I couldn’t say anything, I had to internalize it, but it really was a dream come true to bowl with him (Rabada). It has been a dream of mine. He actually has a lot of knowledge for a youngster as well. He is No. 1 in the world and it shows. We had been chatting throughout the innings and he had been giving me idea, and to see them work is special as well,” the 21-year-old pacer added.
He also wished to replicate Rabada’s feat who just became the No.1 bowler in the world.”I wouldn’t give it a specific date, but as a sportsman I would also like to achieve a milestone like that. It’s something I’ll definitely be chasing.
“I’d love this to be a long career. I know many people talk about how injuries have affected me in the past, but I feel like this is a new start. In the past, I didn’t know what I was doing, to be honest. Now I’ve sort of found my feet and I know which path I’m going down as a cricketer. I’d also like it to be one of the long careers and maybe go down on the honours board,” added Ngidi.
For the time being he just want to enjoy the game and he is very happy that the crowd has appreciated him when he was at the boundary lines while fielding.
“To be honest, it’s [the support] actually difficult to describe. It’s not something I’m used to, so every time it really does hit me. You get goosebumps and get nervous all over again. It really is an honour to have people appreciate the work that you’re doing out there, so it’s hard to describe but it really is a blessing,” Ngidi said.