South Africa fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the three-match T201 series against India due to a left lateral ankle sprain. The 27-year-old has been released from the squad and will return to his provincial team where he will undergo his rehabilitation with the Momentum Multiply Titans under the supervision of the Proteas medical team.
Initially, he was expected to play in the round of four-day matches from 14-17 December in preparation for the two-match Test series but will instead be further assessed by the medical team on his progress. Western Province fast bowler Beuran Hendricks has been named as his replacement.
The 33-year-old Hendricks will compete for the specialist seamer position in the side with Ottniel Baartman, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, and Lizaad Williams, all of whom have less experience. Kagiso Rabada, South Africa’s best fast bowler, has been rested for the series.
The tour will begin with three Twenty20 matches in Durban, Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth), and Johannesburg. They will then switch formats for three One Day Internationals between December 17 and 21, which will be contested at the latter two venues as well as Paarl. The first Test will begin on December 26 in Pretoria, with the second on January 3 in Cape Town at Newlands.
