South Africa quick Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the side's home international summer - here's why.
Ngidi last featured for South Africa in their home white-ball series against Ireland last month, also playing in their recent series against Afghanistan and West Indies. However, the pacer has now been ruled out until January, which means he will not feature in South Africa's upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, and will miss their multi-format series against Pakistan in December.
Following the ODI series against Ireland, Ngidi underwent a medical assessment which revealed bilateral proximal adductor tendinopathy (a groin injury). He will undergo a rehabilitation programme for the injury with the view to hopefully be available once again in the New Year.
Ngidi did not feature in the squad for South Africa's ongoing T20I series against India, with a view to feature in their Test series against Sri Lanka. Kagiso Rabada was also rested for that series, while Anrich Nortje - who turned down a national contract from Cricket South Africa, is uncertain to feature for the side in the immediate future.
The injury to Ngidi is a blow to South Africa for two important Test series in their bid to qualify for the World Test Championship final. Their 2-0 series win over Bangladesh put them firmly into contention to finish in the top two positions at the end of the league stage for the competition. Winning all four of their remaining Tests in the cycle would almost certainly see them make the final, while winning three or even two would keep them in with a chance.
Since making his Test debut in 2018, Ngidi has claimed 55 wickets from 19 matches at an average of 23.14.
Kagiso Rabada: ODI World Cup is the holy mecca, winning WTC wouldn't completely satisfy me
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South Africa captain Temba Bavuma is also a doubt for the first Test of South Africa's home summer, which will begin on November 27. Bavuma has been struggling with a left elbow injury and has not played any competitive cricket since South Africa's ODI series against Ireland last month. Aiden Markram led the side in his absence against Bangladesh and will likely do so again if Bavuma is not fit to play against Sri Lanka.
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