Credit: ICC
South Africa are currently locking horns against England in the six-match white-ball series getting played in the latter's backyard. The Protea side won the three-match ODI series against the English side and they are looking to replicate their dominance in the T20I competition as well. In the first T20I held at Sophia Gardens, South Africa bagged a 14-run win but ahead of the match, their pacer Lungi Ngidi picked up a right hamstring strain during the practice session. The injury resulted in his non-participation from the match in Cardiff. The 29-year-old will now return to his nation.
On September 11, South Africa issued a statement which revealed that the speedster has been ruled out of the T20I series against England due to the injury and he will exit the Protea side’s camp to return to his nation. "Proteas Men’s fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the T20 International (T20I) series against England with a right hamstring strain. He sustained the injury during training on Tuesday at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, and subsequent scans confirmed its extent. Ngidi will return home on Thursday,” said South Africa in their statement. Prior to the first T20I against England, spinner Keshav Maharaj also hurt his groin and the extent of his groin issue is also yet to be known.
Nandre Burger will join South Africa for the remaining T20Is
Following Lungi Ngidi’s exit, South Africa have announced speedster Nandre Burger as his replacement. "Nandre Burger has been named as his replacement and will join the squad ahead of the second T20I in Manchester." added South Africa.
Ngidi will be essential for the Proteas as they have crucial assignments in the upcoming months. Temba Bavuma and his men will play the Test series in Pakistan and India during October and November. This year, when South Africa won their maiden WTC Trophy after beating Australia in the final at the iconic Lord’s, Nigisi played a vital role by grabbing three wickets in the second innings.
