Lungi Ngidi, Matthew Breetzke step up as Proteas go in search series sweep in England
England's Jos Buttler is bowled by Proteas speedster Lungi Ngidi during the second One-Day International between the two sides.
Image: Glyn Kirk / AFP
The Proteas men have a golden opportunity to secure a 3-0 series sweep when they take on England in the third and final One Day International (ODI) in Southampton on Sunday.
South Africa sealed a second successive ODI series win on English soil with their five-run victory at Lord’s on Thursday, following up their 2-1 triumph in Australia last week.
Who would have thought the Proteas could achieve back-to-back away series victories without their pace spearhead, Kagiso Rabada?
The fast bowling unit has been the backbone of the Proteas’ success in recent years, and Rabada has led the charge. The 30-year-old was central to South Africa’s World Test Championship final triumph and his absence from both the Australia and England series was expected to be a major blow.
But Lungi Ngidi has stepped up brilliantly in Rabada’s absence, leading the attack with maturity and skill in both series.
Ngidi’s five-wicket haul in the second ODI in Australia helped seal the series Down Under, and his strong performances in England have once again propelled South Africa to victory. At Lord’s on Thursday, he delivered a crucial blow by removing Jos Buttler just as the England captain was finding form — a dismissal that helped the Proteas wrap up the series.
Ngidi has been well supported by left-arm quick Nandre Burger, who has risen to the occasion and formed a formidable new-ball partnership with the 29-year-old. Burger struck with the very first ball at Lord’s, removing Jamie Smith and setting the tone for what would become another famous win for South Africa.
The pair will be key again in Southampton as South Africa look to complete the clean sweep.
At the top of the order, Matthew Breetzke has emerged as one of the finds of the season. The 26-year-old has now scored a record-breaking fifth consecutive 50-plus score in ODIs — a run of form that has made him indispensable to the side.
Breetzke has shown the ability to absorb pressure when needed, and accelerate in the latter stages of the innings. At the same time, he can take the attack to the bowlers from the very first over — something England’s bowlers have struggled to contain.
Tristan Stubbs has been a steady and reliable partner for Breetzke in the middle order and will no doubt be one of the prized wickets for England in Sunday’s series finale.