South Africa’s World Test Championship (WTC) campaign has taken a significant blow with the announcement that fast bowler Lungi Ngidi will be sidelined due to a groin injury. This setback comes at a crucial time for the Proteas, who are already dealing with the absence of captain Temba Bavuma, who is recovering from an elbow injury. Ngidi, one of the key fast bowlers in the squad, will miss South Africa’s upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The fast bowler is expected to be out until January 2025 as he undergoes rehabilitation.
Currently sitting in fourth place in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 54.17%, South Africa still has a chance to improve their position. With two important series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan on the horizon, the Proteas could increase their points percentage to 69.44% with optimal results, boosting their chances of reaching the WTC final—something they have yet to achieve.
Despite this injury blow, South Africa’s recent form has given them renewed hope. A 2-0 series sweep over Bangladesh revived their WTC aspirations. Their dominant performance, including a crushing innings and 273-run victory in the second match, showcased their strength and momentum. A similar clean sweep against Sri Lanka could be pivotal in strengthening their position in the standings, as well as eliminating Sri Lanka from the race for the WTC final.
While Ngidi’s absence is a significant challenge, South Africa’s recent performances have shown that they have the depth and resilience to compete at the highest level. If the Proteas can overcome the injury setbacks and continue their strong performances, they remain a formidable contender for their first-ever WTC final spot. The upcoming series will be crucial in determining whether South Africa can maintain their momentum and break into the top tier of the standings.
