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South Africa Cricket Team have received a massive boost ahead of their game against New Zealand in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. Star pacer Lungi Ngidi who sustained a slight niggle has passed the fitness test and will be available for selection for the next encounter.

Ngidi regains fitness ahead of the Kiwi clash

The young pacer suffered a left hamstring injury during his team’s defeat against Bangladesh on June 2 to hobble out of the field after bowling only four overs. Following the injury, Ngidi missed the games against India and West Indies. With Dale Steyn ruled out with an aggravated injury, Lungi Ngidi’s return will be a huge confidence booster for South Africa who had a slow start to their campaign. They have lost the first three games and tasted some success only in the last game.

ICC World Cup 2019: Lungi Ngidi Declared Fit Ahead of the Tie Against New Zealand 1 — Getty Images

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The 23-year-old Ngidi, who claimed three wickets against England, admitted that injuries are always severe. However, he emphasised that he has recovered well with the help of the support staffs. Lungi Ngidi also revealed that he has cleared the fitness and is 100 percent ready to take the field.

“It’s been tough. Injuries are never nice, but with the support staff that I’ve had around me it’s been pretty good and I’ve been alright,” Ngidi said. “It’s just been frustrating not being able to play. I’ve just finished a fitness test today and passed that, so I’m match-fit ready. It’s 100 per cent.

ICC World Cup 2019: Lungi Ngidi Declared Fit Ahead of the Tie Against New Zealand 2 — Getty Images

That’s how the fitness test goes and if you’re not bowling at 100 per cent then you’re not ready to play,” he added.

South Africa will now have to all the remaining four matches to give themselves a chance of qualifying for the semifinals. Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada will have to forge a partnership with the new ball and pick some early wickets to keep New Zealand in check on June 19 (Wednesday) at Edgbaston in Birmingham.