Legendary Proteas fast bowler Makhaya Ntini says Lungi Ngidi justified his controversial selection for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June.

Ngidi’s inclusion ahead of Dane Paterson raised eyebrows as he hadn’t played red-ball cricket since August 2024, while Paterson had played a starring role in getting the Proteas to the final and featured in six county games for Middlesex, including three at Lord’s, in April and May.

Ngidi struggled in Australia’s first innings, going wicketless for 45 runs in eight overs, but produced a decisive second-innings spell of 3-38 in 13 overs – including the crucial wicket of Steve Smith – as South Africa beat Australia by five wickets to lift the Mace.

“I always say the first innings of a Test is where everyone is energetic and wants to do well. But the second innings is where it counts – that’s where Ngidi stepped up,” Ntini told SportsBoom.co.za. “His performance there is what actually won South Africa the Test.”

While Ngidi delivered under pressure, Kagiso Rabada reaffirmed his status as South Africa’s bowling spearhead, taking match figures of 9-110.

Ntini, however, couldn’t resist a playful reminder that he remains the only South African to take a 10-wicket haul at Lord’s.

“I need him on my side of the table, not only on the ‘fifers’ side,” Ntini said with a laugh. “I’m still alone on the ‘tenfers’ at Lord’s. But Kagiso is the guy who balances this team. When he’s there, we believe we can win.”

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Ntini also heaped praise on coach Shukri Conrad, whose leadership he believes has transformed the Proteas.

“Since Shukri took over, things started to shape in the right direction,” Ntini said. “He knows these players from U19 level and has raised them to this point. When he became senior coach, everything clicked.

“The way he took this team to the World Test Championship title is unbelievable.”

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