South Africa dealt huge blow in race for WTC final, Lungi Ngidi ruled out of home Test season with injury

South Africa have been dealt a huge blow in the race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final after star pacer Lungi Ngidi was ruled out of the home season on Thursday (Nov 14). According to Cricket South Africa (CSA) statement, Ngidi has sustained a groin injury,which will see him miss the Test series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. South Africa is currently fifth with four matches to go in the WTC cycle.

Ngidi out of home season

"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...He will now begin a rehabilitation programme and is expected to return to play in January," the South Africa Cricket Board’s statement said.

Ngidi has played in 19 Test matches, scalping 55 wickets during that period with three five-wicket hauls. He is one of the few players to play in all three formats for the side, having also played in 62 ODIs and 43 T20Is for South Africa. He will be a crucial member of the side for the Champions Trophy which will be staged in Pakistan, according to the current developments.

ALSO READ |MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit and Dravid wasted 10 years of my son's career, claims Sanju Samson's father

South Africa’s position in WTC

Currently, the Proteas still have great interest in the race for the WTC final with the top two India and Australia set to collide in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With one team certain to drop points and South Africa to face Sri Lanka in the home series, Temba Bavuma and Co will retain an interest in reaching the WTC final in June 2025.

They currently have a win percentage of 54.17 from eight matches and have won four, drawn three and lost one.