When South Africa beat Australia by five wickets in the WTC final at Lord’s in June last year, Rabada took 5/51 and 4/59, and Temba Bavuma scored a crucial 66, injured hamstring and all. Their blackness wasn’t celebrated along with their success. But when Ngidi struggled in the first innings, when he went wicketless for 45 in eight overs, he was singled out for unfair criticism. When he redeemed himself by taking the key wickets of Steven Smith, Beau Webster and Pat Cummins, apologies were not forthcoming. It was as if, because he bowled well, Ngidi was no longer black.
