Debutant Ngidi 'unique' – Elgar

Dean Elgar praised the “unique, special attitude” of Lungi Ngidi after the debutant’s two wickets late on Day 4 confirmed South Africa’s dominance in the second Test at Centurion.

The tall 21-year-old right-armer took the crucial wicket of India captain Virat Kohli for just 5 in a significant spell that saw India three down before the close.

“Natural ability will come out irrespective of what attitude you bring,” said Elgar, who compiled a battling 61 in South Africa’s second innings as they set India a stiff-looking 287 to win. “But Lungi has got a unique, special attitude. He’s always positive and has a smile on his face.

“I think he’s as surprised playing in this Test as anyone, but I’m very happy for Lungi. He’s someone I’ve been following him quite closely. Always seen him doing special things. He’s a very confident young kid and his talent will only get stronger the more confident he gets.”

Elgar was delighted at Ngidi’s removal of the Indian captain before stumps, on whom the tourists had so depended in their first innings.

“It’s massive for us and I think it’s massive for India, knowing he is not batting. He’s a very special batsman as we saw in the first innings and we knew it was a massive moment to get him out. But we all knew it was possible because he is human and he can also fail.

“I am sitting here with a smile on my face knowing there is one less very competitive, very talented guy that we don’t have to deal with.”

The South African opener said that the slow pitch was now in fact favouring South Africa’s five-man attack.

“The wicket will play into our hands nicely with our seamers and Keshav coming in on what is proving to be a decent spinning wicket. Our fast bowlers thrive on bowling on wickets like this. If they can get the ball to reverse as soon as possible it will be a massive asset.”

And with the hosts possibly in line to win the series, Elgar emphasized the significance of any victory following South Africa’s chastening tour to India in 2015 when they lost 3-0.

“For South Africa it will be very satisfying. I think what happened in India, we left with a lot of scars. Us giving them the kind of treatment and beating them here in South Africa is definitely going to be satisfying for us.”

India resume on Day 5 needing 252 more runs to win with seven wickets remaining.