South Africa has strengthened their pace attack ahead of the second Test against India in Guwahati by adding fast bowler Lungi Ngidi. Meanwhile, the visitors are leading the series 0-1 after a historic win in Kolkata and India is desperately looking to bounce back.
The big talking point heading into the Guwahati Test has been Kagiso Rabada's fitness. The premier fast bowler missed the Kolkata Test due to a rib injury, and his recovery remains uncertain. Without Rabada, South Africa still pulled off a remarkable 30-run win at Eden Gardens, making it their first Test victory on Indian soil since 2010. Notably, Guwahati is set to host its maiden Test match.
With Rabada's availability still in question, the South Africa team has inclined towards Ngidi. The 29-year-old has played 20 Tests, picking up 58 wickets, but has featured rarely in red-ball cricket over the past two years. His last Test appearance came in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June, and he has played just one Test in India back in 2019.