Proteas captain Temba Bavuma has backed the selection of bowler Lungi Ngidi over young sensation Kwena Maphaka for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Cricket SA announced a strong 15-member squad that will go up against Australia in the WTC final at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in England from June 11.
Coach Shukri Conrad made two changes to the squad for the last Test series against Pakistan, with Maphaka being replaced by Ndigi, while top-order batter Matthew Breetzke has also been dropped from the squad.
Sidelined due to a groin injury
Ngidi rejoins the squad after missing the majority of the home summer season because of a groin injury.
Speaking to the media shortly after the squad’s announcement, Bavuma gave an explanation for why Ngidi was chosen over Maphaka.
“In terms of familiarity, I don’t think Kwena has played in the UK. So, to be throwing in a young guy like that, it’s a big ask for him,” said Bavuma.
“I think Lungi gives you experience; he’s played in those conditions. I mean, Lungi’s been around.
“With Lungi, from what I’ve seen, captaining him, you know what you’re going to get, whether he’s played for six months or he hasn’t played for six months. If you have a motivated, fit Lungi, you know what you’re going to get.”
Warm-up match against Zimbabwe
He continued: “I also think that it being a one-off game, you kind of can get away with maybe taking a view on a guy like Lungi, who hasn’t taken part in the season. But I think there’s definitely no massive risk, as I see it.
“You know what you’re going to get from him; he’s played there; he’s one of the senior players on the team.
“So, if we’re going to speak about plans from a bowling point of view, we’re all going to sit and listen to what Lungi has to say.
“His selection comes with a lot of backing; it comes with a lot of confidence. I don’t think anyone in that 15 [squad] will be questioning why he’s there.”
The Proteas will assemble in Arundel, England, on May 31 and play a warm-up match against Zimbabwe from June 3 to 6 before heading to London on June 7.
