South Africa has faced a significant setback ahead of their upcoming home series against Pakistan, as fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out due to a groin injury. Lungi Ngidi, who has not played any cricket since the ODI series against Ireland last month, recently underwent a thorough medical evaluation. This assessment is part of his planned conditioning phase, during which imaging scans were performed and revealed bilateral proximal adductor tendinopathy, a condition affecting the muscles in his groin area. He will embark on a comprehensive rehabilitation program aimed at restoring his fitness and is expected to make his return to the field sometime in January.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) released an official statement earlier today, announcing that Nigidi would not be part of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka and the all-format home series against Pakistan. “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 statement stated. “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.”

Credit: Independent News Pakistan