Ngidi, who has not played any cricket since the ODI series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi last month, underwent a medical assessment as part of his structured conditioning period, during which scans revealed bilateral proximal adductor tendinopathy. He will begin a rehabilitation programme and is expected to return to action sometime in January.

Bavuma has not played any competitive cricket since leaving the field in an ODI against Ireland early last month and took no part in South Africa’s 2-0 Test series victory in Bangladesh. He will not play for his domestic team, the Lions, in a first-class match that starts today in Potchefstroom, which would have been the last opportunity for game time before the first Test against Sri Lanka on November 25.

If Bavuma cannot play, Aiden Markam will lead South Africa, albeit without much recent form to his name. Markram has not scored more than 33 in his last six Test innings, dating back to December 2023. Bavuma’s spot in the batting order could be retained by Ryan Rickelton, who played in the Tests against Bangladesh with modest returns of 27, 1*, and 12.

Bavuma had sustained the injury when he fell awkwardly as he made his ground to complete a run against Ireland. He retired hurt on 35 in that game, and was unable to field. The injury is on the same elbow which Bavuma had hurt in 2022 on a T20I tour of India. It ruled him out of South Africa’s tour of England later that year.

Bavuma has only played in five out of South Africa’s 10 Tests since taking over the leadership in February last year. In the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Bavuma has only captained South Africa in three of their eight matches and has only batted in two, after being injured in last year’s Boxing Day Test. South Africa are in a strong position to qualify for the WTC final. They need to win all four home Tests to secure their spots at Lord’s but three wins and other results in their favour could also get them there.