Lungi Ngidi Reflects on Key Wicket in WTC Final Against Australia

Ngidi's Performance in the WTC Final

London, June 13: South Africa's Lungi Ngidi shared insights about his impactful bowling spell during the second innings of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at Lord's. He expressed that dismissing Steve Smith was likely the most significant wicket he could have achieved.

Following Kagiso Rabada's quick dismissals of Usman Khawaja (6) and Cameron Green (0), along with Marco Jansen's removal of Marnus Labuschagne (22), Ngidi made a crucial breakthrough by trapping Smith lbw for 13, leaving Australia at 48/4.

"Given the importance of the match, that was probably the best wicket I could have taken. After facing challenges in the first innings, securing that wicket at such a critical moment felt incredibly rewarding," Ngidi stated in an interview with ICC Digital.

After a tough start in the one-off Test, where he recorded figures of 0/45 in eight overs, Ngidi rebounded on Day 2, finishing with three wickets for 53 runs.

"I might have tried too hard initially, which led to conceding runs and increased pressure on myself. Watching my teammates perform well made me eager to contribute to that momentum," he reflected.

Ngidi recalled his coach's advice: "In Test cricket, you have two opportunities as a bowler. The coach encouraged me to focus on my game and make the most of my moment when I got the ball."

Despite Pat Cummins' excellent bowling that restricted South Africa to just 138 runs, the Proteas' bowlers, including Rabada and Ngidi, struck back, taking six wickets and leaving Australia at 144/8 as they headed into the third day.

"The first innings didn't go as expected, but once I found my rhythm, I felt confident in my ability to hit the right areas. I aimed to set up that dismissal, and I was pleased with how it turned out. We're excited about our current position," Ngidi concluded.

--IANS