Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is taking steps in the right direction, bowling coach Anton Roux said on Tuesday ahead of their first match in the ICC Champions Trophy later this week.

Ngidi’s effectiveness as a fast bowler has been under some scrutiny following his recent performances for the Proteas, including his spells during the SA20 league, which yielded little improvement. He claimed two wickets over 16 overs across the five matches he played for the Paarl Royals.

During the tri-series matches between Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand, Ngidi produced figures of 0/54 and 1/74 in the two outings for the Proteas before they were knocked out. In Ngidi’s favour, conditions in the subcontinent have favoured the batters, with barely any movement on the ball for both pace and spin.

But Roux affirmed his faith in Ngidi, saying he was showing good signs of making a return to his usual self. If the 28-year-old paceman is to have any impact in the upcoming tournament, it’s going to be with the new ball in an effort to secure early wickets for the Proteas.

“So Lungi, it’s obviously well documented that he’s come back from an injury. I think all things being fair to him, he is taking steps in the right direction. He is bowling with good intensity and his speeds are right up there. In terms of the role he’s going to play for our team, if he makes the playing eleven, then I see him with the new ball trying to get us some wickets up front,” Roux explained.

“His ability to take pace off the ball in the death is crucial for us as well. He is training well and I hope he is going to play a role for us moving forward,” he added.

Ngidi has had to deal with a number of injuries which could have dampened his confidence, a viewpoint echoed by Captain Temba Bavuma, considering the toll fast bowlers endure. Compounding the situation for the Proteas is the absence of fellow fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who has also been ruled out due to injury.

Roux acknowledged that injuries are part and parcel of the game but conceded that players nowadays are faced with increasingly busy cricket calendars.

“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that these guys, their cricket calendar is becoming choco-block as professional cricketers. So, how you go about that and find windows where you can either rest, recuperate, or get stronger is going to be key for these fast bowlers moving forward. Not just for us, but in world cricket.

“Everyone loves a fast bowler; the fans love to see a guy running in and bowling at high speed, but these guys are, I don’t want to say fragile, but they need to be looked after,” Roux concluded.