Ngidi Focused on Key Role in WTC Final Against Australia

LONDON: South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi stated on Monday his eagerness to make a significant contribution against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, aiming to play a pivotal role in his team’s success.

Often less highlighted than his fellow pacemen Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, Ngidi is now prepared to make a substantial impact during a potentially career-defining moment for himself and South African cricket.

In an interview with ICC digital, the 29-year-old communicated his confidence and readiness ahead of the important match.

Ngidi views the WTC final as not only a personal opportunity but also a chance to reignite South Africa’s aspirations in Test cricket.

Ngidi’s Aspiration

“Words can’t describe it, to be honest. We’ve been close in recent years with different tournaments. This is the ultimate form of cricket, and bringing this title home would be a dream. It would be awesome and could reshape cricket in South Africa, refocusing attention on red-ball cricket,” Ngidi expressed.

Having previously played at Lord’s, Ngidi mentioned that the pressure feels more manageable this time, and his preparation has been more comprehensive.

“I feel very ready, having had ample time to prepare. Playing at Lord’s is every cricketer’s dream.

“I’ve had the privilege before, playing England there, which was quite an experience with all the nerves and excitement,” he noted.

Ngidi mentioned that he is now focused on maintaining consistency and adhering to the fundamentals.

“There is a significant title at stake, but the great aspect of Test cricket is that the process remains consistent, which helps me relax as a player,” he added.

Ngidi also emphasized the team’s strong conviction in their ability to beat the Aussies and finally win a major ICC title.

“This is the pinnacle of cricket, and bringing this trophy back home would be a dream. It could transform cricket in South Africa and bring the focus back to Test cricket,” he concluded.

The ICC World Test Championship final is scheduled for June 11 at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, featuring South Africa against defending champions Australia.

South Africa currently tops the WTC 2023-25 standings, with eight wins out of 12 Tests.

Following a 1-1 home series draw against India and a 2-0 defeat in New Zealand, they recovered with series wins over the West Indies (1-0), Bangladesh (2-0), Sri Lanka (2-0), and Pakistan (2-0).

Australia is second in the table, with 13 wins and four losses from 19 Tests.

Their journey included a 2-0 victory against Sri Lanka, a 3-1 triumph over India, a 2-0 series win against New Zealand, and a 1-1 draw with the West Indies.

They also whitewashed Pakistan 3-0, while the Ashes series against England ended in a 2-2 draw.

Squads:

Australia: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson.