IND v SA | Dale Steyn has the perfect blueprint for a fast bowler, says Lungi Ngidi

Amidst a disappointing campaign for his team at the 2019 edition of ICC’s global event in England, Ngidi suffered a major injury blow to add to the pain. After a couple of months on the sidelines, the 23-year-old is now back in action, turning out for the touring South Africa A team and picking up five wickets in the first unofficial Test against India A. As he prepares to get in the groove for the national team series, Ngidi is counting on his countryman Steyn for support and inspiration.

“Steyn has the perfect blueprint for a fast bowler. Taking 400 Test wickets is something all of us aspire to achieve. He has been very influential; he gives us a lot of good advise. Having him around is great for the team,” Ngidi said, reported Sportstar.

Meanwhile, during his time away from the game, Ngidi spent his hours thinking through his injury and planning his recovery.

“The hamstring injury was caused because I was trying to bowl too fast. Missing the latter half of the World Cup was disappointing, but injuries are a part of life. I went straight to my recovery routine, and now I’m feeling very fit. I’ve done a lot of training to recover from the injury. I’m happy with the way I’m bowling, and I want to keep the rhythm going,” Ngidi said.

The young South African, who is expected to carry the Protea bowling attack forward alongside Kagiso Rabada, further reflected on the personal tragedy of losing his father Jerome a year ago.

“My father was my biggest supporter; that spot has been taken by my mum now. His demise was unfortunate and sudden. He wanted to see me play for South Africa and in the IPL - I'm happy that he got to see both. Life, death – it happens. I know he’s watching me from above, so I make him proud,” Ngidi added.