‌Lungi Ngidi ruled out of Test summer with groin injury 

The 28-year-old suffered a bilateral proximal adductor tendinopathy, as reported through the scans he underwent. This means it would take him almost a couple of months to rehabilitate and make a return to the cricket field. He was last seen in action during the Ireland series last month and will be eying a return as soon as possible.

With Temba Bavuma already out of action due to an elbow injury, the absence of Ngidi would dent the Proteas side who are lurking around the top of the World Test Championship Points table. Bavuma missed the latest Bangladesh Test series and is likely to miss the first Test against Sri Lanka. 

India’s 3-0 whitewash at home against New Zealand opened up the WTC Final chances for South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the Black Caps. Currently, the Men in Green and Gold are stationed fifth in the standings with percentage points of 54.170. However, they do not have a huge difference with other teams at the top. With a couple of Tests at home against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, playing top-level cricket could earn them a spot in the WTC Final to be held at the Lord’s, London.