Lungi Ngidi admits to rethinking his actions as a player following Rabada's ban

Kagiso Rabada displayed some stupendous form in the second test as the Proteas secured an emphatic win over the Aussies. He portrayed his fast bowling finesse with an eleven wicket haul that demolished the Australian batting lineup. However, some firepower, including shouldering Steve Smith and send-offs to David Warner cost him dearly.

The 222-year-oldwas subsequently banned for two tests which keeps him out of the fray for the remainder of the series. His bowling partner Lungi Ngidi expressed his concern stating that the rigorous punishment for Rabada had forced him to change his approach in the field. He further spoke about Rabada’s absence in the team and described aggression from his own perspective.

The ban does take you aback and make you rethink your actions as a player

Lungi Ngidi created an enigma in his debut series against India. For someone who has just entered the international scene, this is a whole new juncture for him. The 21 year old refused to justify either the ICC’s call or Rabada’s actions. He felt that it was on the ICC to make their judgement and move on with it.

“Their judgement is the final call. I’ve got no right to say they’re wrong. We just take care of what we can on the field. ‘KG’, as a player he knows he might have crossed the line. Maybe not. Who are we to say where the line is? It’s an interesting situation. I’ve never been part of it. Coming into international cricket and seeing something like this happen, it does take you aback and make you rethink your actions as a player.” he was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

The 21 year further described what defined aggression for him. He asserted that aggression could be exerted either by actions or the words spoken. He felt that creating a mindset of fear in the batsman with your presence was his idea of playing aggressively.

“You can be aggressive with your actions, with what you say, or – in general, for me – the areas you bowl. Putting a batsman under pressure, having a presence, letting him know that you’re there. Those are the things I lean towards as a cricketer. I don’t really have to say much. I feel just a look may be good enough. Those are the kinds of things I say are aggression.”

Rabada’s advice has been helpful in making me improve as a cricketer

Lungi Ngidi remarked that the presence of Rabada is quite valuable to him in the playing XI. While he stated that both of them had different personalities, he provides some brilliant inputs. He felt that having his around is always an asset for the team.

“He’s a great bowler to get information from and to learn from. But I am a different person. I’m a lot more reserved as a person, so I can never say I want to want to be ‘KG’ Rabada. I’ve got my own abilities, my own skills and traits. Having him give me a bit of advice here and there is really helpful. It’s helping me improve as a person and as a cricketer.” He was quoted by Cricbuzz.

Rabada’s absence may suddenly reduce the firepower in the South African bowling lineup. While there are likes of Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel and Lungi Ngid himself to cover up, it will certainly hurt the Protean prospects. However, Ngidi felt that one person’s loss was another’s gain. He was confident that the South Africans would come hard at the visitors and keep them under pressure.

“We’ve got very experienced guys in Morne Morkel and Vernon. They know how to lead bowling attacks, give information and pretty much display what to do in the field. It will be a massive loss if he is not there but it does give another person the opportunity to step up and fill the gap and come hard at the Australians. Even though we are missing KG, we will still put a lot of pressure on them.”