Injury concerns, though not extremely serious yet, are mounting in the South African camp ahead of the second Test against India, scheduled to begin on November 22 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium. According to a report in Cricbuzz, South Africa have drafted Lungi Ngidi into the squad as insurance for Kagiso Rabada, who sat out the first Test in Kolkata after suffering a rib injury during training.
Ngidi hasn’t featured in a Test since the World Test Championship (WTC) final victory over Australia at Lord’s in the summer. But he’s still one of the important pacers in the team, with 58 Test wickets to his name at 23.37.
As News18 CricketNext reported earlier in the day, South Africa is facing another couple of fitness worries ahead of the second
Test in Guwahati. Off-spinner Simon Harmer is dealing with a shoulder issue, while pacer Marco Jansen has a minor niggle. Both players visited Kolkata’s Woodlands Hospital, the same facility that handled Shubman Gill’s recent injury, for assessments.
It’s still unclear whether either concern will affect their availability for the second Test. Harmer and Jansen were central to South Africa’s 30-run win in Kolkata, combining for 13 wickets across the match.
South Africa have the option to bring in left-arm spin all-rounder Senuran Muthuswamy to replace Harmer, if needed. Meanwhile, Ngidi would be a capable replacement for Jansen.
Ngidi opines on a cricket debate
Although South Africa haven’t officially announced Ngidi’s inclusion in the squad, they showed him in a social media video where he and teammate Tony de Zorzi debated whether the number 11 batter should be allowed to bat alone in a match.
“As a Number 11 I’ve been in situations where I’m batting with you, and you are on 99 and I get out. I reckon you should be able to bat on, till you are dismissed. The last guy stays there till he is dismissed,” Ngidi said.
“I’ve seen many times when there’s a close game and there’s a guy left who can actually still win the game for the team. Because I haven’t been able to dismiss you. But other batsman goes out. And that’s it,” he added.
