"NGIDI LEADING OUR ATTACK REALLY WELL" - BUTTLER

Jos Buttler has heaped praise on Paarl Royals’ “leader of the attack” Lungi Ngidi.

Buttler has long been a rival of Ngidi on the international circuit, having to face up to the Proteas seamer when he opens the batting for England.

But now as the Royals wicketkeeper, he has the best seat in the house to assess Ngidi’s phenomenal form in Betway SA20 Season 2.

From delivering the very first ball at Boland Park a week ago, Ngidi has looked in prime condition, charging in with plenty of rhythm - always a defining factor for the big fast bowler - and has hit his line and lengths impeccably.

It has proved a recipe for success with Ngidi currently the leading bowler in the competition with eight wickets at an average of 9.87.

This is no small feat considering Ngidi plays his home matches at Boland Park, which has traditionally favoured the slower bowlers.

He was at brilliant best in the bonus point victory over Joburg Super Kings on Wednesday evening, claiming 3/17 which included the big wicket of JSK captain Faf du Plessis.

ALSO READ: Paarl Royals vs Joburg Super Kings match report

“He is the real leader of our attack, and has been leading our attack really well,” said Buttler.

“He has been vital for the national team for a number of years. He has great options with the ball. A great mixture of skills, and he knows how and when to use them.

“Bowling here in Paarl, he is very effective. And we saw in the changing conditions up at Centurion, he was fantastic there as well.”

Ngidi, meanwhile, credited his upturn in fortunes to the meticulous plans provided to him from new Royals coach Shane Bond, who was of course a legendary fast bowler with New Zealand’s Black Caps. 

“I think it's the freedom that you (Bond) has given us to express ourselves, but also within our gameplans that we’ve spoken about,” Ngidi said. 

“We know in certain situations, certain fields, what exactly to bowl. When the plans are that clear is kind of hard to mess it up when you know exactly what you need to do.”

He’s also enjoying the responsibility of being “the big dog” in the Royals attack. 

“Usually in the (national) camp you have guys like KG (Kagiso Rabada) and the coaches speaking,” Ngidi added.

“But I am really enjoying being in the leading role. The responsibility I’ve been given. I am enjoying it.”

Up next for Ngidi and his Royals teammates is the Cape Derby against MI Cape Town on Friday evening (17:30), before the return fixture on Sunday back at Boland Park. These clashes form part of a Super Weekend of SA20 derby fixtures.