Kagiso Rabada ruled out of second Test against India and rest of tour
Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the second Test against India and the rest of the tour due to a rib bone stress injury, with Lungi Ngidi drafted as cover. Picture credit: Michael Sherman/Independent Media
Image: Michael Sherman/Independent Media
Cricket SA (CSA) confirmed on Friday that Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of the second Test against India due to injury. He will also miss the upcoming One-Day International and T20 International series in India.
The Proteas take on India in Guwahati, for the second match in a row without the services of Rabada.
Rabada pulled up injured during a warm-up session ahead of the first Test at Eden Gardens last week.
His availability for the second clash had been questioned throughout the week, and Proteas management clearly wanted to wait as long as possible before making a call.
CSA Statement: Kagiso Rabada Ruled Out Due to Rib Injury; Lungi Ngidi Drafted as Cover
CSA said in a statement: “Proteas Men’s fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the second Test and the upcoming white-ball tour against India after sustaining a rib bone stress injury in the build-up to the first Test.
“The injury has been closely monitored by the Proteas medical team, and due to ongoing discomfort in the affected area, Rabada has been withdrawn from the remainder of the tour.
“He will continue the initial phase of his four-week rehabilitation programme with the Proteas medical team before returning to South Africa at the conclusion of the second Test.”
Before the confirmation that Rabada won’t play any further part in the tour, Lungi Ngidi was drafted into the squad as cover.
It’s unclear whether or not he will actually play in the second Test, as the seam bowling options were covered by Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, and Corbin Bosch in the first Test.