Kagiso Rabada’s fitness for the Test series against India hangs in uncertainty, raising concerns, especially with Anrich Nortje’s confirmed absence and Lungi Ngidi’s status still unconfirmed.
Rabada was set to feature for the Lions in a first-class match against the Dolphins, but a bruised heel, suffered in the World Cup semifinal on November 16, has sidelined him since. South Africa’s team management stated that Rabada “will undergo further assessments,” leaving his return date unknown.
Adding to the worries, Nortje is grappling with a lumbar stress fracture, sidelining him since September 10. Furthermore, Ngidi’s recent sprained ankle ruled him out of the T20I series against India, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming Test matches.
The Test series, commencing in Centurion on December 26, could witness a South African pace attack led by rising stars Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee. However, the absence of experienced bowlers Rabada, Nortje, and Ngidi, who have a combined 96 Test caps and 401 wickets, poses a significant challenge. Rabada, in particular, with 60 caps and 280 wickets since his 2015 debut, stands as one of the finest fast bowlers.
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Adding to South Africa’s concerns, Temba Bavuma, the stalwart in the batting order, enters the India Tests without having played for over five weeks due to a personal matter. Bavuma was set to play for the Lions this week, but his withdrawal disappointed coach Russell Domingo.
As uncertainties surround the South African lineup, Indian pacer Mohammed Shami, the leading wicket-taker in the World Cup, faces fitness concerns with an ankle problem. The series outcome is now eagerly anticipated, with fans hoping the clash of top-notch fast bowlers on a pace-friendly pitch remains unaffected.