The Proteas could again be without fast bowler Lungi Ngidi for the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch, which starts on Friday.

The 25-year-old was ruled out of the first Test at Hagley Oval with a back strain and replaced by debutant Glenton Stuurman, who finished with figures of 1-124 in 29 overs.

Sport24 reports that the word out of the Proteas camp is that Ngidi is “not looking good” ahead of the second Test.

If he does fail a fitness test later this week, spinner Keshav Maharaj, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder or fast bowler Lutho Sipamla could come into the side.

The Lions’ Ryan Rickelton is also expected to make his long-awaited Test debut, most likely at the expense of the out-of-form Aiden Markram.

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