In the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, South Africa has opted for Lungi Ngidi over Dane Paterson in their final XI. This decision sees Ngidi playing his first Test in ten months and only his third under coach Shukri Conrad. At this historic venue, his inclusion is aimed at exploiting the potential for extra pace and bounce, a move that captain Temba Bavuma described as “one of the tougher decisions.”
“We’ve seen what Patto [Paterson] did for us at the end of last season,” Bavuma noted at the pre-match press conference. “But from a tactical point of view, there’s a little bit more pace from Lungi. He is taller as well.” On Lord’s notorious slope, height matters with Jansen standing at an impressive 2.06m and Ngidi at 1.93m.
Bavuma further explained, “Lungi has the experience. He’s played here before—Lungi complements that bowling attack a little bit more.” Ngidi’s ability to complement the bowling unit, despite limited Test appearances in the last 18 months and a recent groin injury, seemed to outweigh Paterson’s steadiness.
Ngidi has been active in recent months. He participated in the SA20 and featured in South Africa’s matches at the Champions Trophy. However, his performance in long spells remains a question mark, given his injury history.
On the other hand, Wiaan Mulder not only brings variety but also strengthens South Africa’s batting line-up, batting at No. 3 despite having only done so twice before in Tests. Paterson has delivered when needed, with an impressive 68 overs across two Tests last home summer, taking 13 wickets at an average of 16.92. In what looks like an end of an era for Paterson, he hasn’t been selected for the series against Zimbabwe later this month, and at 36, this could be his last chance at Test cricket.
South Africa’s bid to balance the bat and ball appears to have taken priority over a sentimental send-off for Paterson, indicating a focus on future potential and versatility, a strategy that might define South African cricket for the coming years.
