Lungi Ngidi spoke like a champion when he emphasized that there’s still a lot to play for going into the third and final ODI against Australia, writes Ongama Gcwabe.

The last time we won a series was against Sri Lanka before the World Cup, almost 12 months later the boys have another one in the bag.

“It feels good to put on a performance like that having been out for a while to come back and perform like that,” said Ngidi.

“It obviously gives us a chance to be able to whitewash a team. Obviously that’s something we definitely want to go for. We’re not a finished product yet.

“So, there’s still a lot to work towards and it’s no means a dead-rubber game. It’s another chance for players to put up their hands and to get selected for future SA games.”

A lot of people ruled out this young Proteas ODI squad against a full strength Australian outfit.

The inexperienced batters in the side showed a lot of maturity going head-to-head with the best ODI front three fast bowlers in Josh Hazzlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.

“People would say a lot of the big names have moved on and there’s a lot of guys stepping up now which is a beautiful thing for South African cricket,” Ngidi added.

“It shows great character and what type of player he (J. Malan) is. It shows what type of person he is and what he can do for South African cricket. I think he showed a lot of potential for the future.”

The Proteas bowlers have been outstanding as a collective. Their numbers speak volumes of the quality they have shown throughout the ODI series. 

An overall economy rate of 5.13 runs per over in 95.1 overs is simply superb in modern day ODI cricket.

“We did very well. We work as a pack and we hunt as a group. Everyone was supporting everyone yesterday,” he said.

“I feel when I come on to bowl everyone has made my job easier, so it’s just good to have partners who understand and work well together.”

It was very fulfilling watching the boys register the first and only home summer series win.

It’s been hard for the players this season but to some degree it has also been hard for us journalists.

To sit and watch your favorite team get a hammering at home and have to write stories about it has been draining, not that I’m complaining because it’s part of the job.

I know for a fact that for the players, the coaches, the Proteas fans and everyone involved, it would be really nice to end with an Aussie whitewash.

“It would mean a lot you know… A lot of confidence to the players and the coaches. A series win and a whitewash would put us in a very good position moving forward. Going in India to face a good Indian side it would give us a lot of confidence,” concluded Ngidi.

The third and final ODI will be played in Senwes Park, Potchefstroom at 10am CAT.