Lungi Ngidi keen for `very long` Proteas career

Dubai [UAE], April 3 (ANI): South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who made his Test debut against India in January this year, wants to keep the ball rolling and keen to have a very long, prosperous international career with the country.

"I've still got years ahead of me. The first thing that I'd like to do is make sure my career's very long. At the moment, I just want to keep the ball rolling. I've got some good momentum behind me," the ICC website quoted the 22-year-old, as saying.

Ngidi had received a maiden call-up in the national Test squad after pace spearhead Dale Steyn was forced to withdraw with a heel injury during his side's opening match against India earlier this year.

He stood up to the national selectors' expectation as he tore apart India's batting line-up bagging six wickets in the second innings to help South Africa win the second Test in Centurion and clinch the three-match series.

Reflecting on the same, Ngidi said that he couldn't think of a better debut than what he made against India, adding that it was like a dream come true.

"You wouldn't expect something like that to happen on your debut. First of all, you're just trying to get through the day. But to be able to perform like that, it helped me realise what I am capable of doing if I put my mind to it. I couldn't have asked for a better debut and I look back on it now and I still think it's a dream. I'm still struggling to let it sink in," Rabada said.

Having made his international debut only in April last year, Ngidi admitted that he is quiet energetic at the moment and is looking forward to every opportunity he gets.

"Just having come on to the international scene as well, I'm still very energetic, very excited about everything that happens. I'm just looking to utilise that as best as I can. I'm very excited about what's happening and, as a cricketer, that's all I can really do, look forward to every opportunity I get and perform as best as I can," he said.

Ngidi, who has appeared in three Tests, four ODIs and three T20Is for South Africa so far, made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for the Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday.

The pacer, who travelled back to India following the demise of his father, finished with a figure of one for 26 as CSK clinched a 13-run win over the Delhi Daredevils.(ANI)