South Africa have strengthened their pace attack for the second Test against India with the inclusion of fast bowler Lungi Ngidi. The move indicates growing uncertainty over Kagiso Rabada’s fitness, as the star quick is still recovering from the rib injury that ruled him out of the Kolkata Test.
Ngidi, who has played 20 Tests but featured only three times since his 2024 comeback, last played red-ball cricket in the World Test Championship final in June. He arrives with recent match practice under his belt, having taken part in South Africa’s white-ball series in Pakistan and a CSA T20 Challenge fixture for Titans.
South Africa’s fast bowlers were influential in the historic Kolkata victory, the team’s first Test win in India since 2010, claiming six wickets across 40 overs on a seamer-friendly surface. The conditions in Guwahati, however, remain a mystery with the venue set to host its maiden Test match.
The second Test begins on Saturday as the Proteas look to build on their momentum while India aim to hit back at home.
