NEW DELHI: South Africa’s preparation for next month’s T20 World Cup has hit another roadblock with fresh injury concerns coming out of the SA20 league.
Senior batter David Miller and experienced fast bowler Lungi Ngidi are the latest players to raise fitness alarms, adding to an already growing list of worries for the Proteas camp.
Miller picked up a groin injury on Monday while fielding for Paarl Royals in their final league match against Joburg Super Kings. The left-hander did not come out to bat as Royals were already out of the chase of 167.
The loss pushed Paarl Royals down to third on the table and they will now face Joburg Super Kings again in the Eliminator at Centurion on Thursday.
Late call on Miller, Ngidi walks off early
Miller has continued to travel with the Paarl Royals squad and a late decision is expected on his availability for the Eliminator. His fitness will also be closely watched by South Africa’s team management with the T20 World Cup drawing closer.
Ngidi’s situation added to the concern. The fast bowler was seen with heavy strapping on his left leg during Pretoria Capitals’ warm-up ahead of the first qualifier against Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Despite that, he took the new ball and bowled two overs before leaving the field.
Capitals bowling coach Shaun Pollock later suggested that the move could be precautionary and that Ngidi may have been trying to loosen the strapping.
Selection headaches ahead of World Cup
South Africa are already likely to be without Donovan Ferreira, who suffered a shoulder fracture during the SA20. The team is also monitoring Tony de Zorzi, who has not played since December after injuring his hamstring in India. De Zorzi is expected to be fit for the upcoming three-match T20I series against West Indies next week.
