South Africa add pace power for second Test against India

South Africa have been bolstered by the return of fast bowler Lungi Ngidi in their squad for the second Test match against India in a vital ICC World Test Championship tussle.

The inclusion comes in as a precautionary backup for the injured Kagiso Rabada, who didn't participate in the Kolkata Test owing to a rib injury. The pacer though has travelled with the squad to Guwahati and is still under medical observation.

Ngidi's return powers the Proteas' pace attack alongwith Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen, much in contrast to the spin-heavy India squad.

Ngidi's previous red-ball appearance was in the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia in June, where he helped the Proteas lift the coveted mace. He would miss out on South Africa's recent Test series in Pakistan.

Featuring in 20 Test matches, Ngidi has snapped up 58 wickets at an average of 23.37.

The current World Test champions marked a memorable Test triumph against India for the first time in 15 years, getting the better of the hosts by 30 runs in a low-scoring opening encounter in Kolkata.

The Temba Bavuma-led side will be hoping to wrap the series to keep their spot among the top two in the World Test Champions standings.

The series decider is set to begin on Saturday at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.

Fixtures

14-18 November - Eden Gardens, Kolkata - SA won by 30 runs

22-26 November - ACA Stadium, Guwahati