Trailing 0-1 in the two-match Test series, Team India is facing a tough competition in the second and final Test, starting on November 22nd. India needs a win to draw the series in this match, to be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, but South Africa has increased India’s tensions several times just before the match.
Lungi Ngidi joins South African team ahead of IND vs SA 2nd Test in Guwahati
Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has joined the South African camp after the end of the first Test in Kolkata. Ngidi arrived in Kolkata from South Africa this morning and is now available for the Guwahati Test. Ngidi’s return, after missing the first Test due to injury, makes the Proteas bowling attack even more lethal. Kagiso Rabada also did not play in the Kolkata Test; Ngidi may join him in the playing 11. South Africa defeated India by 30 runs in the Kolkata Test.
Ngidi’s return is expected to provide a boost to South Africa’s bowling attack. He has been struggling with injuries for some time, but the team management has included him in the squad after he regained full fitness. This decision is considered strategic, given the need for strong bowling backup against India.
The Guwahati pitch is generally considered spin-friendly, but the pacers have also received some early assistance in recent domestic matches. If the pitch retains some moisture, bowlers like Ngidi, who can bowl at 145+ km/h, could pose further challenges for the Indian top order.
Updated squads of both teams
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Triston Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Dewald Brewis, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Senuran Muthusamy and Zubayr Hamza.
India: Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep.