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The news that fast bowler Lungi Ngidi will miss South Africa's four home Test matches this summer owing to a groin injury dealt a serious blow to the country's World Test Championship (WTC) aspirations. Ngidi's absence presents an even bigger issue for the injury-plagued Proteas, who are also juggling the recovery of skipper Temba Bavuma's elbow. Ngidi's medical evaluation, which South Africa announced on social media, concluded that he would be out until January 2025 as he recovers. Ngidi will not play in the all-format home series against Pakistan or the crucial Test series against Sri Lanka.
Proteas currently stands in fourth place in WTC standings and with a points percentage of 54.17, they are very much alive in the race of making it in the top two. If they do well in the two series they have left on their schedule, they could go to the WTC finals. South Africa might increase their points percentage to a competitive 69.44% if they play well against Sri Lanka and Pakistan and even establish themselves as real candidates for the WTC final, something they have not done yet.
Cricket South Africa's update
"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," South Africa's statement said.
With a commanding performance, the Proteas just ended a ten-year drought by defeating Bangladesh 2-0 in a series sweep. South Africa revived their WTC campaign and increased their chances of making it to the final after defeating Bangladesh by an innings and 273 runs in the second game after winning the previous one by an innings as well.
The forthcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka is extremely important for the Proteas. In addition to strengthening South Africa's standing, a perfect sweep might disqualify Sri Lanka from the WTC final race. South Africa is a dark horse in the WTC race with four home games left, and their recent performance and improvement in the rankings give them a real chance to make their first-ever final appearance.
South Africa's recent results show a team gaining momentum despite injury setbacks. The Proteas have a real chance to compete for a WTC final position if they can overcome important absences and continue their recent form, which would greatly improve South African cricket.
