South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi is fully fit and ready to shine in the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s. The fast bowler, returning from injury, aims to play a key role in the Proteas’ pace attack as they chase their first major ICC men’s title.
South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has declared himself fully fit and mentally prepared to play a pivotal role in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at Lord’s, starting June 11. After enduring a challenging period marked by injuries, the 29-year-old is poised to return to international prominence in one of the most prestigious matches in the Test calendar.
Ngidi’s readiness comes at a crucial juncture for South Africa, a side that has consistently shown promise in ICC tournaments without claiming a major men’s title. The Proteas’ pace attack, featuring the more high-profile Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, has been at the center of media attention. Yet Ngidi remains a vital cog in the bowling lineup, capable of producing match-turning spells with his pace, control, and subtle variations.
The team’s training session on Sunday at Lord’s offered a glimpse into Ngidi’s current form and fitness. The pacer impressed with both intensity and discipline, suggesting he is primed for the challenge ahead. Speaking to ICC Digital, Ngidi expressed his excitement and sense of preparation heading into the marquee event.
“I feel very ready, as I have had a lot of time to prepare for this. It’s any cricketer’s dream to play at Lord’s. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity before, playing England at Lord’s, and that was quite something for me with the nerves and the excitement.”
However, he added that this time, his nerves are under control, and his focus is on maintaining consistency. This mindset, he believes, is key in Test cricket, where patience and process take precedence.
Ngidi reminisced about South Africa’s last memorable appearance at Lord’s, when Kagiso Rabada stole the show with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, propelling the Proteas to an emphatic victory over England by an innings and 12 runs in just two and a half days. Reflecting on that match, Ngidi emphasized the importance of teamwork and strategy in achieving success.
“The last time we were here, I knew that he (Rabada) wanted to get his name on the honours board… I knew that with the way he bowls, wickets are going to come. For me, it was just to keep it quiet on the other end.”
This sense of role clarity and mutual support among the bowlers could prove decisive in a tightly contested final against Australia, a side known for its resilience and depth. Ngidi’s ability to build pressure and hold one end could free up Rabada and Jansen to attack more aggressively.
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For South Africa, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The team has come agonizingly close to ending its long drought for a major ICC men’s title. They were finalists in last year’s T20 World Cup and semi-finalists in the ICC Champions Trophy. Now, with a chance to win the WTC mace, the Proteas are determined to seize the moment.
Ngidi recognizes the historical weight of this opportunity, especially for a nation hungry for cricketing success.
“We’ve come close over the last couple of years with other different tournaments. For me, this is the ultimate form of cricket and to be able to bring this back home would be a dream come true.”
He added that a victory at Lord’s could shift attention back to red-ball cricket in South Africa, potentially reshaping the domestic structure and inspiring a new generation of Test players.
“I think it could change the landscape of cricket in South Africa and just bring that focus back to red-ball cricket.”
As South Africa prepares to take the field against a strong Australian unit, all eyes will be on Ngidi and his pace partners. With his fitness restored and his mindset sharpened, Lungi Ngidi looks ready to deliver the performance of a lifetime—on cricket’s grandest stage.
