South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi had it tough last week in the tri-series, taking only one wicket during the two matches against New Zealand and Pakistan, respectively. Photo: AFP
The role that Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi will play in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy has become even more important, given that the side is without Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee due to injuries.
As a new ball bowler, Ngidi will be entrusted with making early inroads into the opposition's batting order and is also expected to come back into the attack in the middle overs and at the death.
The 28-year-old has struggled to fulfil his role in the recently concluded Tri-series against Pakistan and New Zealand last week, returning figures of 0/54 and 1/74 in the two matches and being largely ineffective. The opposition batters have also taken a liking to his bowling, often targeting his overs to score boundaries while respecting the other bowlers at the opposite end.
His form in ODIs is a concern for South Africa ahead of what is a big ICC tournament on the horizon.
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma, being the supportive leader he is, reckons that the fast bowler merely needs an arm around to help get his confidence back. While being supportive and understanding of Ngidi's situation, Bavuma also emphasised that the fast bowler is expected to do his job just like every other player in the squad.
"He's been out of action for a couple of months now either through injuries or being out of favour from a selection point of view," Bavuma saidon Sunday.
"He's one of the guys who feeds off confidence from guys around him. We've never felt that it's a skill or a talent thing when it comes to Lungi.
"It's merely a confidence thing, and unfortunately, confidence is something that you get out on the field of play. The games that he played in the tri-series, he'll take whatever confidence from that. I think he will also take the learnings and improve in areas he needs to work on.
"A guy like Lungi will always look to compete, but me as a captain, it's merely supporting him, giving him the confidence that he needs but also making sure that he's clear with his role. I think he's also under no illusion as to what is expected of him. Every guy in this squad we trust to be a match-winner for us."
However, Ngidi, like the whole bowling attack, would have learnt how he needs to adjust his plans in the conditions in Pakistan, having had a taste of the conditions in the tri-series last week.
The batting unit is also now aware that they will need to score big runs on the board in the often batter-friendly conditions in Pakistan, having lost the two tri-series matches despite having put up over 300 runs on the board in each game.
Bavuma says the team has had talks about the conditions and how they will need to adjust their plans heading into the Champions Trophy.
"The tri-series was important for us to get a proper sight of the conditions. We've seen through the tri-series how tough it's been at times to get 10 wickets," said Bavuma.
"As bowlers, we've spoken as to what the different plans are and if there's a need for us to change our approach. Also, from a batting point of view, understanding the importance of runs on the board and allowing there to be enough from a scoreboard pressure point of view."
South Africa will play a warm-up match against the Pakistan Shaheens team on Monday before getting the Champions Trophy started with a fixture against Afghanistan on Friday.
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