Centurion, Jan 17 (PTI) South African pacer Lungi Ngiditoday said that trapping Virat Kohli, one of the world's bestbatsmen, lbw in India's second innings of the second Test wasa special moment.
The Test debutant went on to take 6-39 on day five asIndia crashed to 151 all out and lost the series 2-0.
"The moment for me I think was the captainÂ’s wicket. Thatwas a very special moment and I felt that I had worked hardand sort of figured out a gameplan of bowling towards him. Sofinally getting that really did mean a lot to me," Ngidi saidafter winning the Man-of-the-Match award for taking 7 wicketsfor 90 runs in this second Test.
Playing on his home ground, where he represents theTitans, Ngidi was cheered by the crowd throughout this game,in particular when he dismissed Kohli. He was also given astanding ovation after he tore through India's line-up on dayfive.
"To be honest, it's actually difficult to describe. It'snot something I'm used to, so every time it really does hitme. You get goosebumps and get nervous all over again. Itreally is an honour to have people appreciate the work thatyou're doing out there, so it's hard to describe but it reallyis a blessing," he said.
Kagiso Rabada, the world's no.1 Test bowler, also took 3-47 as the young pace-duo plotted India's downfall.
"I do remember that moment and it did strike me when Iwas thrown the ball and he was bowling at the other end.
During the game I couldn't say anything, I had to internaliseit, but it really was a dream come true to bowl with him. Ithas been a dream of mine.
"He actually has a lot of knowledge for a youngster aswell. He is no.1 in the world and it shows. We had beenchatting throughout the innings and he had been giving meidea, and to see them work is special as well," said Ngidi.
The youngster became the seventh Proteas pacer to achievea five-wicket haul after Lance Klusener (8/62 vs India in1996), Charles Langeveldt (5/46 vs England in 2005), VernonPhilander (5/15 vs Australia in 2011), Merchant de Lange (7/81vs Sri Lanka in 2011) and Kyle Abbott (7/29 vs Pakistan in2013).
"I'd love this to be a long career. I know many peopletalk about how injuries have affected me in the past, but Ifeel like this is a new start. In the past, I didn't know whatI was doing, to be honest.
"Now I've sort of found my feet and I know which path I'mgoing down as a cricketer. I'd also like it to be one of thelong careers and maybe go down on the honours board," Ngidisaid.
"I actually watched a lot of Andre Nel and was convincedthat I had the same bowling action as him, but I realise nowthat isnÂ’t true. Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn, those were myidols that I looked up to," he signed off. PTI CN AHSSC.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.