Lungi Ngidi ruled out of the home series against Pakistan
The series against Pakistan begins on the Boxing Day.
South Africa are currently on a high after an ODI series win over Australia in their own den. They also followed it up with a victory in the one-off T20I. The Proteas had also sidelined Zimbabwe in the home series earlier and are awaiting Pakistan to visit the rainbow nation for a full tour of three Tests, five ODIs and three T20 Internationals. However, they’ve been dealt with a huge blow as their premier pacer Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the action for the next 12 weeks due to a knee injury.
Ngidi is known to have jammed his knee on the ground while fielding during the 10-over-a-side game at the Carrara Oval. He left the side soon after the incident and though he came back to complete his spell, the injury has turned out to be more serious.
“Lungi fell awkwardly while fielding during the T20I against Australia last Sunday. He underwent investigations and further assessments with knee specialists upon his return to South Africa, which revealed a significant ligament injury to the right knee. Due to the significant nature of the injury, he will require a minimum of 12 weeks of rest and rehabilitation to make a successful return to play,” South Africa’s team manager Dr. Mohammad Moosajee was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
Lungi crucial for World Cup
Lungi Ngidi is important for South Africa in the upcoming World Cup and he will have to be carefully managed. He has been leading the bowling attack ever since making his debut and hasn’t let the team feel the absence of the senior bowlers who were missing with the injury. This three-month layoff will give him some rest as well having played continuously this year in almost all the series.
Meanwhile, the Test series against Pakistan will be commencing on December 26 which is also known as the Boxing Day Test in Centurion.
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