National bowling stocks patched up as gifted Lungi Ngidi returns

The Jukskei Derby between the Highveld Lions and the Titans starting on Monday will mark the long-awaited return of fast bowler Lungi Ngidi to action, and the 21-year-old is delighted that his comeback will be on the traditionally pacy and bouncy Wanderers pitch.

The memories of Ngidi’s 4/19 for South Africa against Sri Lanka in the T20 international at the Wanderers late last summer are still fresh and the exciting prospect will certainly boost the Titans’ chances of converting their dominance in all four rounds thus far into the first win of the competition.

“I’m very excited about playing for the Titans again and coming back to the Wanderers is great, it’s a dream venue for fast bowlers and I have a few good memories there.

“It’s a lovely place to play as well and I’ve bowled pretty well there in the past,” Ngidi, who suffered a stress fracture in his back in June, said.

The likes of Aiden Markram, new Protea Wiaan Mulder should all be available for the local derby as they were set to fly back from the third ODI against Bangladesh in East London on Sunday night, so the fare should be compelling at the Wanderers, with the inform Dean Elgar also available for the Titans.

Hardus Viljoen is back from his Kolpak duties but who will share the new ball with him is probably the biggest question occupying Lions coach Geoff Toyana’s mind because Beuran Hendricks has been called up for the Proteas T20 squad.

Other big news in the national interest is the return of Vernon Philander.

The stocky Proteas seamer, who was brilliant in England, has recovered from a back injury and has been included in the Cape Cobras’ squad to play the Dolphins in Oudtshoorn.