South African pace sensation Lungi Ngidi will miss the forthcoming three-match men’s T20I series against India due to a left lateral ankle sprain. In his absence, Beuran Hendricks, a left-arm fast bowler, has been named as his replacement, confirmed by Cricket South Africa (CSA). Ngidi, 27, has been released from the squad due to the injury and will undergo rehabilitation with the Momentum Multiply Titans under the guidance of the Proteas medical team. Originally anticipated to play in the four-day matches starting December 14 and two T20Is ahead of the Test series against India from December 26, Ngidi's progress will be evaluated by the medical staff.
Hendricks, 33, returns to the T20I fold after his last appearance for South Africa in 2021. With 19 T20I matches under his belt, he has secured 25 wickets. Aiden Markram will lead the South African squad against Suryakumar Yadav's India in matches scheduled for December 10, 12, and 14 in Durban, Gqeberha, and Johannesburg, respectively. South Africa's T20I squad includes key players like Markram, Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, and Tabraiz Shamsi among others, aiming for a strong performance against India.
Key Points:
1. Lungi Ngidi, a key right-arm fast bowler for South Africa, will miss the upcoming T20I series against India due to a left ankle injury, being replaced by Beuran Hendricks.
2. Cricket South Africa confirmed Ngidi's departure from the squad for rehabilitation with the Momentum Multiply Titans due to his ankle sprain.
3. Initially expected to participate in the round of four-day matches, Ngidi will undergo further evaluation by the medical team for his recovery progress instead.
4. Beuran Hendricks, the 33-year-old left-arm fast bowler, returns to the T20I squad after last playing for South Africa in 2021, having claimed 25 wickets in 19 T20I matches.
5. Aiden Markram will captain the South African team in the absence of Ngidi, with the T20I series against India scheduled on December 10, 12, and 14 in Durban, Gqeberha, and Johannesburg, respectively.
6. The South African squad includes players like Ottniel Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, and Lizaad Williams.
7. Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen are available only for the first two T20Is.
8. The series will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian team captain, with the first Test match against India starting on December 26 in Centurion.
9. Ngidi's absence due to injury is a setback for the South African team, affecting their bowling strength ahead of the T20I series against India.
10. The team composition sees changes with Hendricks' inclusion, necessitated by Ngidi's injury, requiring a reshuffle in the bowling lineup for the upcoming matches against India.
(With Agency Inputs)
