South African pacer Lungi Ngidi has officially been struck down from the forthcoming T20I series against England, according to Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Wednesday, September 10. The injury comes on the eve of the series opener, when Ngidi picked up a hamstring injury in a training session at Sophia Gardens on Tuesday.
Scan Confirms Hamstring Injury for Lungi Ngidi
After experiencing discomfort during training, Lungi Ngidi underwent medical scans, which confirmed the severity of his hamstring issue. As a result, the pacer will return home on Thursday to begin his recovery process. This injury rules him out of the entire T20I leg of South Africa’s tour of England.
Nandre Burger Named as Ngidi’s Replacement
In response to Ngidi’s injury, Nandre Burger has been drafted into South Africa’s T20I squad. Burger was already part of the ODI squad that secured a 2-1 series victory against England and will now shift focus to the T20 format.
However, Burger will only link up with the T20I side ahead of the second match in Manchester, which leaves South Africa a bowler short for the series opener.
England vs South Africa T20I Series Schedule
1st T20I – Wednesday, September 11
2nd T20I – Friday, September 13 (Burger joins squad)
3rd T20I – Sunday, September 14 at Trent Bridge
South Africa will be hoping to end their tour on a high note, despite the absence of Lungi Ngidi, who has been one of their key pace options in white-ball cricket.
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Impact of Lungi Ngidi’s Absence
The absence of Lungi Ngidi is a major setback to South Africa’s bowling plans. With his pace and variations, Ngidi was an asset to the T20I team. His absence leaves the team with no choice but to rethink its pace attack strategy before a critical series against a formidable England team.
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