US Major League Cricket-bound Ngidi saw red mist after Test team dropping: 'I was angry'

Proteas seamer Lungi Ngidi admitted to being momentarily angry after being dropped from the Test side by red ball coach Shukri Conrad.

Ngidi had become a key control component in the Proteas' bowling setup in the Mark Boucher era, but with the 2-0 reverse at the hands of Australia at the end of last year and in January, there were always going to be casualties.

In a series made difficult for South Africa's bowlers by repeatedly limp-wristed batting displays across the series, Ngidi made way for Gerald Coetzee when Conrad announced his first Test squad for the West Indies series earlier this year.

Of SA's seamers in the difficult Australian tour, Ngidi's tour figures of 2/133 in his two Tests were the most inferior.

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However, Ngidi, who will be representing the San Francisco Unicorns in the Major Cricket League, acknowledged quickly his anger was misplaced and needed to get back on his bowling horse.

"I wasn't disappointed, I was angry, if I could be honest, he told News24.

"I was very angry, but we have a new coach in Shuks (Conrad) and he sees value in a player in a certain position and you have to give the guy a chance.

"He's a young fast bowler who has exciting qualities and he's very competitive. As players, we hardly ever get angry at other players because we're all competing for their country.

"This is their opportunity, but at the time, personally, I was a bit angry, but that passes by over a couple of days, and one needs to get back into the hard work mindset."

Ngidi may not be the fastest of SA's seamers, but his ability to read conditions ensured the Proteas often found their way into games after awry starts.

This was evident in the comeback 2-1 series win