Lungi Ngidi Out of Tests With Injury

South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka and the all-format tour against Pakistan due to a groin injury, specifically bilateral proximal adductor tendinopathy, which will sideline him until January. In contrast, captain Temba Bavuma is undergoing a fitness test to assess his recovery from a left elbow injury, which previously kept him out of the series against Bangladesh. The two-Test series against Sri Lanka begins on November 27 in Durban, and South Africa hopes to secure victories to enhance their chances of reaching the 2025 World Test Championship final. Ngidi's absence will be felt more acutely given the Proteas' batting vulnerabilities, despite having depth in their seam attack. Bavuma's fitness is crucial, as he is seen as pivotal to the team's performance in the upcoming matches. The Proteas recently celebrated a 2-0 Test series win against Bangladesh, with Aiden Markram having captained the side in Bavuma's absence.