South African pacer Lungi Ngidi ruled out of Test series against Sri Lanka, all-format series against Pakistan due to groin injury

South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the team's upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka as well as the all-format home series against Pakistan due to a groin injury. As per Cricket South Africa (CSA), the right-arm pacer is expected to return to action in January 2025.

The Proteas will take on Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series from November 27 to December 9. The first match will be played at Kingsmead in Durban and the second at St George's Park in Gqeberha. South Africa will then host Pakistan for two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is from December 10 to January 7.

Providing an update on Ngidi, an official statement from CSA confirmed that the 28-year-old has been ruled out of Proteas' upcoming assignments against Sri Lanka and Pakistan due to a groin injury.

"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," CSA's official statement read.

The statement added that Test skipper Temba Bavuma is making positive progress in his recovery from a left elbow injury and will undergo a fitness test on Monday, November 18, to determine his availability for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on November 27.

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Lungi Ngidi's record in Test cricket

A handy member of South Africa's bowling attack, Ngidi made his Test debut against India in Centurion in January 2018. He made a memorable start to his career and was named Player of the Match for registering figures of 6-39 in the second innings. However, he has been in and out of the playing XI due to form and fitness issues, and team combination at times.

Due to a combination of the above reasons, the 28-year-old has only featured 19 Test matches so far and has claimed 55 wickets at an average of 23.14, with three five-fers to his credit. Ngidi has also played 62 ODIs and 43 T20Is, claiming 96 and 63 wickets, respectively.