South Africa Faces Cricket Setbacks: Ngidi Out and Bavuma in Fitness Race

South Africa's cricket plans face a challenge as seamer Lungi Ngidi is sidelined due to a groin injury, missing crucial test series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Captain Temba Bavuma's participation remains uncertain as he undergoes a fitness test. The team eyes crucial victories for a shot at the 2025 World Test Championship final.

Lungi Ngidi, South Africa's prominent seamer, has been forced out of the home test summer due to a groin injury. This setback sidelines him from the much-anticipated series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Cricket authorities hope for his return by January, aligning potentially with the SA20 Twenty20 league.

Captain Temba Bavuma's fitness remains under scrutiny as a test on Monday will decide his participation. Recovering from an elbow injury, Bavuma is expected to be pivotal in the upcoming two-test series against Sri Lanka beginning on November 27 in Durban.

South Africa has a legitimate chance to reach the 2025 World Test Championship final, provided they secure victories in both their matches against Sri Lanka and the home series with Pakistan. These fixtures, coinciding with Boxing Day and New Year, are crucial for their championship ambitions.

(With inputs from agencies.)