South Africa fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is ruled out of the home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan due to a groin injury. He will undergo rehabilitation, expected to return in January. Temba Bavuma’s recovery from an elbow injury will be assessed soon, impacting his availability as captain. South Africa aims to improve their position in the ICC World Test Championship.
Lungi Ngidi, the South African fast bowler, has been ruled out of the national team’s upcoming home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan due to a groin injury, as confirmed by Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Thursday. The 28-year-old cricketer recently underwent medical assessment which revealed bilateral proximal adductor tendinopathy. Consequently, he will commence a rehabilitation program and is anticipated to return to play by January. Ngidi’s absence will notably impact the Test matches against Sri Lanka and the subsequent all-format series versus Pakistan. He has claimed 55 wickets for South Africa in Test cricket with a commendable average of 23.14 across 19 matches. His last appearance for the national team was during the one-day international series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi last month. In a related update, South Africa’s Test captain Temba Bavuma is showing positive recovery from a left elbow injury. He is scheduled to undergo a fitness examination on November 18, which will determine his participation in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, commencing in Durban on November 27. Should Bavuma be unable to compete, Aiden Markram will take over as captain. As it stands, South Africa holds the fifth position in the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship standings with a point percentage of 54.17, while Sri Lanka ranks third with a percentage of 55.56. For South Africa to remain competitive for a spot in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s next year, they need to secure victories in their remaining four Test matches.
Lungi Ngidi’s injury comes at a critical time for the South African cricket team as they prepare to face Sri Lanka and Pakistan in an important home series. Ngidi has been an integral part of the team’s bowling lineup and his absence raises questions about the squad’s depth. Additionally, Temba Bavuma’s potential return adds another layer of strategy as the team looks to increase their standing in the World Test Championship.
In conclusion, Lungi Ngidi’s groin injury sidelining him for the crucial home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan poses a significant challenge for South Africa. With five consecutive matches needed for a viable chance at the World Test Championship final, every player’s performance becomes vital. The status of Temba Bavuma’s recovery will also play a crucial role in the team’s prospects going forward.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
