South Africa’s fast bowling line-up has taken a significant hit as Lungi Ngidi, their premier pacer, has been ruled out of the upcoming all-format tour of Pakistan due to a groin injury.
Ngidi last played in October during the third ODI against Ireland, where he had a rough day, conceding 70 runs in his nine overs without a wicket.
Initially expected to return in the Test series against Sri Lanka, recent medical assessments confirmed a more serious injury. Ngidi has been diagnosed with bilateral proximal adductor tendinopathy—a condition often seen in fast bowlers due to high physical demand.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed in a statement that the 28-year-old will begin a rehabilitation program and hopes to return by January 2025.
In a statement, CSA said, “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.”
The Proteas’ tour of Pakistan, set to begin on December 10 with T20I matches, will include ODIs and conclude with a two-Test series which could decide Pakistan’s fate in the World Test Championship.
This series promises to be an intense contest, and while South Africa will feel the loss of Lungi Ngidi’s experience, they’ll be hoping for other bowlers to step up.
Listen to Latest Podcast
📢 For the latest Sports news, videos and analysis join ProPakistani's WhatsApp Group now!
Follow ProPakistani on Google News & scroll through your favourite content faster!
Support independent journalism
If you want to join us in our mission to share independent, global journalism to the world, we’d love to have you on our side. If you can, please support us on a monthly basis. It takes less than a minute to set up, and you can rest assured that you’re making a big impact every single month in support of open, independent journalism. Thank you.
