Ngidi Reveals “Outside Off” Plan That Skittled Labuschagne, Sealed ODI Series
Ngidi Explains The Simple “Outside Off” Trap That Undid Labuschagne
South Africa have wrapped up their three-match ODI series in Mackay with a game to spare, thanks largely to Lungi Ngidi’s superb 5-for that floored the world champions for 193. After collecting his first Player-of-the-Match award in almost three years, the fast-bowler revealed how a clear plan – borrowed from Marco Jansen’s dismissals of Marnus Labuschagne in June’s World Test Championship final – set the tone.
Ngidi’s spell not only sealed an 84-run win but also highlighted the Proteas’ growing habit of backing individual instincts under coach Shukri Conrad.
The Blueprint From Lord’s
Ngidi told reporters that hours of video work showed Labuschagne’s one recurring weakness: balls that angle across him but end just outside his eyeline.
“Marco swung two away from him at Lord’s and got him twice,” Ngidi said. “In ODIs he has to score; leave after leave just builds pressure. So I stayed there, shaping it away, and waited for the nibble. It worked first time.”
How The Plan Played Out
Over | Ball Type | Line & Length | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
3.2 | Seaming away | Full, fourth stump | Labuschagne plays and misses |
3.4 | Same ball | Fraction shorter | Defensive push |
3.6 | Same ball | Good length | Thick edge to keeper – out |
The wicket left the out-of-form No. 3 without an international century for 48 matches and handed Ngidi early momentum that he never surrendered.
Series Context At A Glance
Match | Result | Margin | Ngidi’s Figures | Series Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1st ODI (Aug 19) | SA won | 98 runs | 2-41 | SA 1-0 |
2nd ODI (Aug 22) | SA won | 84 runs | 5-42 | SA 2-0 |
3rd ODI (Aug 24) | – | – | – | – |
South Africa have now claimed their third straight bilateral series against Australia across formats, adding to their WTC triumph and a T20I whitewash earlier in the winter.
Freedom To Execute
Ngidi credited the new team environment for letting bowlers set their own fields and stick to their strengths.
“Coach says, ‘see what’s in front of you and don’t be scared to try things.’ That freedom made it easy to keep plugging away outside off,” he explained. The 29-year-old has now taken 26 ODI wickets against Australia – his highest haul versus any opponent.
Rivalry Renewed
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh admitted the visitors were “out-smarted” by Ngidi’s subtle changes of pace and seam. With the Mackay dead rubber looming, South Africa will chase a clean sweep and further evidence that their bold, player-driven blueprint can thrive in next year’s Champions Trophy build-up.