The Standard Bank Proteas are back at SuperSport Park Centurion, as they continue their build-up to the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in May.
They host Sri Lanka in the second of five Momentum One-Day internationals on Wednesday, and they take a 1-0 lead into the contest.
Amongst a clutch of stars on display for the ODI will be Multiply Titans quick bowler Lungi Ngidi, who has made a solid return after a 12-week layoff due to injury.
Ngidi was let loose in the Momentum One-Day Cup initially, before making his way back into the national fold on Sunday at the Bidvest Wanderers.
“I was actually really nervous before the game but, after bowling the first ball, everything kind of settled down,” he said of his return.
Ngidi has quickly established himself as a vital component of the Proteas attack, and his return has pleased the brainstrust.
“I’m trying to find my way back to the rhythm I had before injury. I’m very happy with my mental state at the moment, and physically I also feel great,” the burly fast bowler enthused.
Ngidi is back on familiar haunts, having quickly developed a cult following at Centurion. Even during his layoff, he popped into the stadium during the Pakistan visit, and was immediately mobbed as he tried to blend in. Now, as he adjusts his compass to focus squarely on the path to a maiden World Cup voyage for his country, Ngidi is eager to hit his straps once more.
“I am just looking to get back into the form I had just before I got injured,” he explained, adding that he wasn’t looking to do too many other variations on that theme.
For the Proteas, having Ngidi back on the park is massive fillip, and they will be hoping that he finds inspiration from his domestic patch.
Play at SuperSport Park Centurion starts at 1pm. Tickets are still available from TicketPro.
