How a single spell at Lord’s transformed Lungi Ngidi’s career

The World Test Championship (WTC) final proved to be a major career turning point, Proteas quick Lungi Ngidi has revealed.

“I think that’s where all the momentum started. All it took was nine overs and three wickets, and I’ve been able to carry that momentum until today,” Ngidi shared in an exclusive interview with IOL at the Cricket SA (CSA) awards last week in Sandton.

Ngidi was far from a guaranteed starter ahead of the WTC final in London in June last year, with strong calls from fans and pundits to select the in-form Ottneil Baartman instead.

Ultimately, Proteas coach Shukri Conrad backed the experienced paceman—a decision the 30-year-old has not looked back from.

Ngidi’s Breakthrough at Lord’s: A Turning Point in His Cricket Career

“I’ll be honest with you, the only difference has been that I’ve gotten more game time. One thing the coach said is that the more I play, the better I get, and that has been one of the best things for my career,” said Ngidi. “Whereas before, I didn’t get as much game time, which led to a lot of inconsistency.”

Even during the first innings at Lord’s, Ngidi initially struggled to find his feet, going wicketless while conceding 45 runs in eight overs. Meanwhile, Kagiso Rabada (5/51) and Marco Jansen (3/49) tore through the Australian batting lineup. However, Ngidi turned the tide when it mattered most in the second innings.

“It’s been up and down, but the one thing that Shukri has done is back me and give me opportunities. I’ve then been able to repay him with results, which is what you need to do as a player. So, I’m very happy to be standing here today,” he reflected.

Ngidi believes that decisive match served as a long-awaited springboard for his international form.

“I carried it on from there: went to Australia and was able to take a five-wicket haul; in England, we won the series; in India, performing in T20s, the World Cup, and the SA20. Everything has just been a bit of a snowball effect.

“I guess the beauty of it is we play so much cricket that you don’t have to stop and think—you just keep going with what you did the day before. If the results are good, they keep coming. Then into the IPL—it’s all just cricket, and you don’t have to change anything when something is working.

“So it’s been fairly—I wouldn’t say easy, but a lot easier than previous years. It’s just been that snowball effect from one spell at Lord’s that changed everything.”

@Michael_Sherman

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