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South Africa fast-bowler Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the second and final test against New Zealand with a back strain, confirmed by proteas captain Dean Elgar on Thursday.

Ngidi also missed the first test, where South Africa was defeated by an innings and 276 runs in Christchurch.

"Because he hasn't been able to bowl last week, I don't think his bowling loads are up to the standard of preparing for test matches," Elgar said.

"He hasn't been training with us, he's only been bowling off a short run-up, which has been a bit of a setback for us,”

"We know Lungi's been a key figure within our bowling lineup. So it's a bit disappointing that he's in the situation that he's in now,"

Elgar also said their team batters has lost confidence after the heavy defeat in the first Test.

“I’m sure there are guys who are a little bit low in confidence, especially from a batting point of view,” he said.