Key pacer ruled out of South Africa’s upcoming home WTC25 engagements
Right-arm fast bowler Lungi Ngidi was ruled out of the home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan respectively due to a groin injury.
Ngidi, who has 55 Test wickets for South Africa at an average of merely 23.14, was ruled out after he underwent a medical assessment as a part of his structured conditioning period, during which scans revealed bilateral proximal adductor tendinopathy.
The Cricket South Africa (CSA) statement stated that he will now begin a rehabilitation programme and is expected to return to play in January.
Ngidi will miss the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, and the all-format inbound tour featuring Pakistan.
Lungi Ngidi was a tough customer at the T20 World Cup.
The statement also mentioned that Test captain Temba Bavuma was making positive progress in his recovery from a left elbow injury and will undergo a fitness test on Monday, 18 November to determine his availability for the series against Sri Lanka.
South Africa are placed fifth in the World Test Championship Standings, with a point percentage of 54.17, whereas their upcoming opponents, Sri Lanka, are at third place with a percentage of 55.56.
Sri Lanka’s tour of South Africa begins on 27 November in Durban.