Ngidi, who has not played cricket since the ODI series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi last month, underwent a medical assessment as part of his structured conditioning period, during which scans revealed bilateral proximal adductor tendinopathy. He will begin a rehabilitation program and is expected to return to action in January.
If Bavuma cannot play, Aiden Markam will lead South Africa, albeit without much recent form to his name. Markram has only crossed fifty once in his last seven Test innings and has had a tough time in the T20 circuit, where he leads the team. He hasn’t gone over 30 in his last 12 innings. Bavuma’s place in the batting order could be retained by Ryan Rickelton, who played in the Tests against Bangladesh with modest performances of 27, 1* and 12.
Bavuma had suffered the injury when he fell awkwardly while advancing to complete a run against Ireland. He retired injured at 35 in that game and was unable to field. The injury is on the same elbow that Bavuma injured in 2022 during a T20I tour of India. He was ruled out of South Africa’s tour of England later that year.
Bavuma has only played in five of South Africa’s 10 Tests since taking charge in February last year. In the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Bavuma has only captained South Africa in three of his eight matches and batted in just two, after being injured in last year’s Boxing Day Test. South Africa is in a strong position to qualify for the WTC final. They need to win all four home tests to secure their places at Lord’s, but three wins and other results in their favor could also take them there.
