“Everyone needs to be on their ‘A’ game in the morning,” said Proteas seamer, Lungi Ngidi, at the end of Day 1 of the first Test between South Africa and India at Centurion.
Ngidi was the pick of South Africa’s bowlers, having dismissed Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Virat Kohli, on a day that India’s batters dominated, posting 272/3 at the end of 90 overs.
South Africa’s bowlers, including Ngidi, struggled to pick wickets in the first session of the day. Changing ends in the second session helped his rhythm. “I just got a bit more rhythm. Felt more comfortable running from this side. Once I came this side, I felt comfortable and things started happening for me,” explained Ngidi.
Despite India dominating the first day of the Test, Ngidi is optimistic about South Africa’s chances on Day 2.
“It’s Test cricket – you win sessions, you lose sessions. All in all, it’s a good day of cricket. The new ball is still moving around. If you can get two wickets in two balls, anything can happen.”
Ideally, if the Proteas bowlers are disciplined with their lines and lengths, they would like to restrict India to “anything under 340, 350.”
