South Africa Receive Lungi Ngidi Boost, Declared Fit For ODI Series Against England

South Africa will take heart from the decision that one of their key bowlers will be fit to join the ranks against England for the upcoming ODI series. The Proteas recently suffered a major setback after veteran pacer Vernon Philander announced his retirement.

The return of Ngidi from injury will be a major boost for the Proteas who have had major issues in the bowling department. The retirement of key players such as Philander has left the squad a bit unbalanced. They are short on experience and the return of Ngidi from injury should bring some relief to the camp.

Also Read: MA Chidambaram Stadium To Be Modified, Will Host IPL 2020 And Int’l Matches

Lungi Ngidi cleared to face England in the ODIs

England is currently on a tour of South Africa. The two nations contested in a four-match Test series which the visitors comfortably won 3-1. The hosts began the series with a win but since then they lost three consecutive Tests.

The return of 23-year-old speedster Ngidi gives South Africa a big boost ahead of the ODI series. The whole squad will assemble in Cape Town before beginning preparations for the three ODIs scheduled to be played between 4-9 February.

After a disappointing campaign in the ODI World Cup 2019, South Africa is currently in a rebuilding phase. They are including youngsters in the squad as they look to build a core for the team with an eye on the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Skipper Faf du Plessis has been given a much-deserved break so he won’t face England.

It’s going be a good, quick and tough series: Quinton de Kock

In his absence, Quinton de Kock will lead the line. He spoke to the media before the series begins, and the Mumbai Indians (MI) player in the IPL, was enthusiastic ahead of the challenge.

He said, “We’re excited to take on a team like England who have had a really good season. It’s a good way of measuring ourselves against the current ODI world champions and the right kind of challenge for everyone from the new guys to the senior players. It’s going be a good, quick and tough series and I’m looking forward to it.“

Also Read: BCCI To Spend Nearly ₹500 Crores For Bengaluru’s New Centre Of Excellence