The South African pacer Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the upcoming test series against Sri Lanka at home and the multi-format tour of Pakistan due to a groin injury.
Cricket South Africa has announced the update and the player is expected to be in action only in January 2025.
“The 28-year-old recently underwent a medical assessment as part of his structured conditioning period, during which scans revealed bilateral proximal adductor tendinopathy. He will now begin a rehabilitation programme and is expected to return to play in January,” the CSA said in a statement.
PLAYER UPDATE 🗞
Proteas Men’s fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, as well as the all-format tour against Pakistan, due to a groin injury.
The 28-year-old recently underwent a medical assessment as part of his structured… pic.twitter.com/aZVL64aX9X
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) November 14, 2024
Nigidi had a decent succes in his 10 tests away, picking a total of 16 wickets at an average of 37.37. But his performance is strong at home as he picked 39 wickets at 17.30 in nine matches.
Temba Bavuma who was ruled out the Bangladesh test series due to elbow injury is making a steady process and is expected to be available for the Sri Lanka series.
He will be having a fitness test on Monday to guage his prospects of playing the first test against Sri Lanka.
“Bavuma will undergo a fitness test on Monday, 18 November, to determine his availability for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which starts in Durban on 27 November,” the release further added.
South Africa are well positioned and has a chance to make it for WTC finals, after completing 2-0 white wash against Bangladesh.
For confirming their qualification, they must secure win in two match test series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
The first test of South Africa-Sri Lanka tests begin on November 27 at Kingsmead Cricket Ground.
