South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada who missed the first Test of the series at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, is doubtful for the second Test. While South Africa have added Lungi Ngidi to the squad for the Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, South Africa bowling coach Piet Botha hasn’t ruled out him making it to the playing eleven.
“Kagiso Rabada is still being monitored [rib injury]. We'll take a call on his participation in the next 24 hours,” Botha said in the press conference on November 20.
In Rabada’s absence, Marco Jansen led the pace attack. Wiaan Mulder opened the bowling in the first innings whereas Corbin Bosch served as third pacer taking a wicket.
Earlier, Rabada said that it does not matter which player makes it to the side, South Africa find a way to win.
"No matter who sits out, we can still find a way to win. (Skipper) Temba (Bavuma) has been crucial for us, but he hasn't played every game. I haven't played this game," Rabada said in a video shared by Cricket South Africa after 30-run win at the Eden Gardens, defending a target of 124.
"That doesn't matter. Whoever is gonna get out on the field, we believe that they can do the job," he added.
Ngidi's Test record vs India
If Rabada misses out and South Africa decide to add another pacer, Ngidi will play his second Test on Indian soil. In 2019, he played his first Test where he bowled 20 overs and remained wicketless. Overall, he has a good Test record against India, taking 27 wickets from seven Tests at an average of 18.25, including two fifers.
South Africa’s Test squad
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Dewald Brevis, Kagiso Rabada, Senuran Muthusamy, Zubayr Hamza, Lungi Ngidi (injury cover).