Cape Town: South Africa Right-arm fast bowler Lungi Ngidi was ruled out of the home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan respectively due to a groin injury.
Ngidi, who has 55 Test wickets for South Africa at an average of merely 23.14, was ruled out after he underwent a medical assessment as a part of his structured conditioning period, during which scans revealed bilateral proximal adductor tendinopathy.
The Cricket South Africa (CSA) statement stated that he will now begin a rehabilitation programme and is expected to return to play in January.
Ngidi will miss the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, and the all-format inbound tour featuring Pakistan.
The statement also mentioned that Test captain Temba Bavuma was making positive progress in his recovery from a left elbow injury and will undergo a fitness test on November 18 to determine his availability for the series against Sri Lanka, an ICC report said.
South Africa are placed fifth in the World Test Championship Standings, with a point percentage of 54.17, whereas their upcoming opponents, Sri Lanka, are at third place with a percentage of 55.56.
Sri Lanka’s tour of South Africa begins on November 27 in Durban.