South Africa pacer Lungi Ngidi opined that the emotions got the better of Indian players after a controversial DRS call when South Africa skipper Dean Elgar’s LBW dismissal was overturned.
In the 21st over of South Africa’s second innings, Dean Elgar was adjudged LBW against the bowling of Ashwin but as the batter reviewed the decision, the ball tracker projection left everyone in disbelief as it looked plumb in real-time. Post that incident, Indian players had a lot of things to say through stump mic as the hosts were getting closer to the target.
“I Think Both Teams Are Still In The Game To Be Honest”- Lungi Ngidi
Reacting to the controversy, Ngidi said that the hosts capitalized on the situation well as they added quick runs at the end of the day.
“Reactions like that show a bit of frustration. And sometimes teams capitalize on that. You never really want to show too much emotion, but I guess we could see clearly right there that emotions were high,” Ngidi said.
“That probably tells us that maybe they are feeling a little bit of pressure. That was a good partnership for us as well. So they really wanted to break that partnership. Those feelings ended up showing there. But at the end of the day, I think everyone reacts differently to certain situations and probably what we saw there, probably how those guys were feeling at the time,” he added.
However, he backed the technology (DRS) despite some questions raised over ball-tracker technology during the series.
“Yes (we trust DRS). I mean, we’ve seen it on numerous occasions being used all around the world. It’s a system in place and that’s used in cricket,” he added.
Though Ngidi denied that the hosts are ahead of the game and opined that the first hour is going to be crucial on the final day as South Africa needs another 111 runs with 8 wickets in the hand.
“I think everyone’s still in the game to be honest with you. If we would have a 60-run partnership upfront tomorrow morning that puts us in a good position. But if they take a wicket then the balance shifts to them. So I think it’s perfectly poised at the moment. Tomorrow’s morning session is going to be really important. We all know batting in South Africa is not easy. It’s going to be tough, but I think the team that does the best will come out on top,” he added.
Ngidi opined that the pitch isn’t too spicy and one can score big with the right application. He stated it as a good cricket wicket that has something for everyone. South Africa will resume their innings at 101/2 as they will be chasing the target of 212.
Also read “We Saw It, You Saw It, I’ll Leave That To The Match Referee To Have A Look At It”- Paras Mhambrey