South Africa pacer Lungi Ngidi ruled out of home Test season with groin injury

South Africa’s World Test Championship (WTC) plans suffered a significant setback with the announcement that fast bowler Lungi Ngidi will miss their four home Test matches this summer due to a groin injury. The injury-plagued Proteas, already dealing with captain Temba Bavuma’s elbow recovery, now face an even greater challenge with Ngidi’s absence. South Africa confirmed on social media that Ngidi underwent a medical assessment, which determined he would be sidelined until January 2025 as he undergoes rehabilitation. Ngidi will miss the critical Test series against Sri Lanka and the all-format home series against Pakistan.

South Africa currently occupies fourth place in the WTC standings, with a points percentage of 54.17%. Their remaining schedule includes two series that could propel them to WTC final contention if they perform well. If South Africa achieves optimal results against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, they could raise their points percentage to a competitive 69.44%, marking them as serious contenders for the WTC final—a feat they’ve yet to accomplish.

“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…He will now begin a rehabilitation programme and is expected to return to play in January,” South Africa’s statement said.

The Proteas recently built momentum with a decisive 2-0 series sweep over Bangladesh, ending a decade-long drought with a dominant performance. After an innings victory in the first game, South Africa crushed Bangladesh by an innings and 273 runs in the second, reviving their WTC campaign and bolstering their shot at reaching the final.

The upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka is particularly crucial. A clean sweep would solidify South Africa’s position and could also knock Sri Lanka out of WTC final contention. With four remaining home games, South Africa’s rise in the standings and recent form make them a dark horse in the WTC race, with a legitimate shot at achieving their first-ever final appearance.

Despite injury setbacks, South Africa’s recent results reflect a squad gaining momentum. If the Proteas can overcome key absences and maintain their recent performances, they have a genuine opportunity to contend for a WTC final spot, providing a major boost to South African cricket.