Ngidi opens up on Shukri impact

Lungi Ngidi revealed how life under Shukri Conrad changed his outlook after a frustrating period in his Proteas career.

The fast bowler enjoyed a resurgence over the past 18 months, becoming a regular under Conrad after previously struggling for consistent opportunities.

Ngidi said the biggest difference has been the clarity he received from the Proteas coach, who made it clear that he viewed him as a frontline bowler rather than a back-up option.

“If people always speak to you as if you’re the back-up for someone, then you probably end up playing that way – as a back-up,” Ngidi told Cricinfo.

“But when a coach tells you that you’re not second-best to anyone, I see you as my frontline bowler… I just started to play that way. That’s exactly what I needed.”

Ngidi admitted uncertainty under previous coaching setups took its toll, particularly when he felt strong performances would not necessarily earn him selection.

Conrad’s approach has instead given him the freedom to express himself, with Ngidi pointing to the licence to use his slower-ball variations as he sees fit.

“This season, I knew that if I put in the work, I was going to get the results because I was being given the opportunity,” he said.

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