The Proteas made a bright start to the World Test Championship final on Wednesday, reducing Australia to 57-4, but the batting team then began a strong counter attack and particularly targeted fast bowler Lungi Ngidi.
Making his first start in Test cricket for quite some time, Ngidi saw his first eight overs go for 45 runs without a wicket, and he certainly didn’t look particularly threatening with ball in hand.
It’s ultimately a far cry from when he first burst onto the international scene with pace and power to burn.
Interestingly, Dale Steyn took to social media to respond to a follower who highlighted how Ngidi had released pressure with some poor bowling after the lunch break.
“His run up needs some serious work,” Steyn commented. “He starts good the first half and unfortunately by the time he hits the second half he’s almost dropped in speed and momentum. Pedestrian really, forced to then use his body and action for pace, it’s then always a fight to deliver consistency.”
Steyn has served as a bowling coach for various teams around the world after retiring as one of the all-time greats of the game.
Lungi Ngidi was an interesting inclusion in the Proteas team for the final
SA XI: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verrynne (wkt), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Proteas squad – ICC Men’s World Test Championship final 2025 against Australia
Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham (Western Province), Corbin Bosch (Titans), Tony de Zorzi (Western Province), Marco Jansen (North West Dragons), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Warriors), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Dane Paterson (Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), Tristan Stubbs (Warriors), Kyle Verreynne (Western Province)
Management
Shukri Conrad (Head coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager), Ashwell Prince (Batting Coach), Piet Botha (Bowling Coach), Kruger van Wyk (Fielding Coach), Runeshan Moodley (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Matthew Reuben (Performance Analyst), Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist), Dr Konrad von Hagen (Team Doctor), Kyle Botha (Logistics and Masseur), Lucy Davey (Media Manager) and Brian Khonto (Security Officer).
ICC World Test Championship final 2025
11-15 June: South Africa vs Australia – Lord’s Cricket Ground, London – 11:30 (SA time)
Who do you think will win this year’s ICC WTC final, South Africa or Australia?
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