Ngidi 'blocks out the noise', Bavuma out of Zimbabwe Tests

PROTEAS captain Temba Bavuma will miss the upcoming two-match series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo due to a left hamstring strain, an injury that he picked up during the World Test Championship final at Lord’s last week.

- ONGAMA GCWABE

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is also not available for the first Test, which is set to get under way from June 28 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Spinner Keshav Maharaj will take over the captaincy.

Bavuma and Ngidi have battled various injuries over the course of their careers, and almost every time, they have been able to return fitter and in good form. Before the Test Championship final at Lord’s, Ngidi had missed an entire home summer of Test cricket due to an injury, and pitched up for the final and took a crucial three-wicket haul in London.

Bavuma was also ruled out of the back end of the Four-Day Series, and turned up at Lord’s and scored a crucial half-century to lead the Proteas to victory. As a result of the many injuries the two have sustained in the recent past, especially Ngidi, they have come under intense criticism.

"What I’ve tried to do is obviously just block out the noise. There was obviously a lot to be said before the Test series started, but now I haven’t heard anything but good things. So, it’s funny how that’s turned on its head," said Ngidi.