Ngidi all smiles in Oz as things ‘shaping up nicely’ for Proteas

Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi believes things are “shaping up nicely” for the tourists ahead of their three-Test series against Australia, starting in Brisbane next week.

The South Africans are warming up for the series with a four-day tour match against a Cricket Australia Invitation XI in Brisbane and are well positioned in the match after two days of play.

After scoring 347 in their first innings with Dean Elgar getting 109 and Kyle Verreynne scoring 80, the Australian invitation side managed 226 all out.

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While Campbell Kellaway scored 105 and Jake Doran 78 for the hosts, no one else scored more than 11.

The chief wicket-takers for the Proteas were Ngidi who took 3 for 26 in nine overs, Keshav Maharaj who grabbed 2 for 49 in 18 and rookie Gerald Coetzee who finished with 3 for 36 in 7.3 overs.

At the end of day two, the Proteas, in their second innings, were nine without loss — a lead of 130 runs.

“We feel pretty good from what’s happened in the first innings,” said Ngidi after day two.

“The batters have had good prep in the nets, and they’ve had a couple games back home, so this is to get out in the middle. Things are shaping up nicely.”

Ngidi added he was excited about playing at the Gabba for the first time next week in the first Test.

“I’m very excited. It’s always nice coming here knowing what’s on offer to the fast bowlers. I’m looking forward to it … they say it’s a fast bowlers paradise so I’ve got a big smile on my face.”

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It is not yet known whether the Proteas will throw quick rookie Coetzee into Test action, but Ngidi said he was excited about what the Knights youngster could achieve in the game.

“He’s got a specific role … and that’s to run in and bowl fast. He’s bound to go for a few runs. But I think if we can fine-tune him a bit he can be a very deadly bowler for us.”