On the other hand, Bavuma is in a race to start the two-game series against Sri Lanka that kicks off on November 27 in Durban. He is returning from an elbow knock that kept him out of the contests against Bangladesh last month. : ICC in talks with boards over non-payment of T20 World Cup dues to players

His loss would be more keenly felt than Ngidi, with South Africa having depth in their seam department but still at times brittle with their top six batting. South Africa have a chance of reaching the 2025 World Test Championship final but would likely have to win both tests against Sri Lanka, and the two-match home series with Pakistan that includes Boxing Day and New Year fixtures.