Why Lungi Ngidi is Not in SA Squad For 1st Test Against Australia? Here's the Full List

South Africa are set to turn their attention towards the red-ball format after their three-match ODI series against Australia, with the first Test scheduled to begin on October 9 at Kingsmead in Durban. The series will be an important part of both sides’ World Test Championship campaigns.

The opening Test will be followed by matches in Gqeberha and Cape Town as the Proteas prepare for a challenging home series against one of the best cricket teams, Australia. South Africa have announced an 18-member preliminary squad for the Test tour, but there are a few notable absentees from the group. One of the biggest names missing from the squad is fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who will not be available for the first Test against Australia.

Why Lungi Ngidi Not in South Africa Squad for 1st Test Against Australia?

Lungi Ngidi has been left out of South Africa’s Test squad because of a right hamstring injury. The fast bowler picked up the issue while representing the Titans in a domestic first-class game earlier this month. The injury subsequently ruled him out of the ODI series against Australia, and he has now also missed selection for the opening Test. Lungi Ngidi injury was being monitored ahead of the Test series, but he has not recovered sufficiently to be included in the preliminary squad.

The Proteas have also had concerns surrounding several other fast bowlers. One of the best bowlers in the world, Kagiso Rabada, has been included in the squad despite a hamstring injury, although his availability for the Durban Test will depend on his fitness. Ottneil Baartman and Kwena Maphaka are also unavailable as they continue their respective recoveries from hamstring problems.

South Africa have nevertheless named a strong pace attack, with Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch, Dane Paterson and Anrich Nortje among the options available. Nortje has been recalled to the Test squad after a lengthy absence from the format and could make his return to Test cricket. Let's have a look at the complete 18-member South Africa squad for 1st Test against Australia.

SA Test Squad Against AUS (Preliminary): Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne.