South Africa speedster Kagiso Rabada’s participation in the upcoming three-Test series against England is in doubt as he works his way back from a medial ligament injury in his ankle.

Rabada has been ruled out of two-T20I series against Ireland this week and his absence in the England Test series, slated to start at Lord’s on August 17, would be a huge blow for the visitors.

Rabada is a key bowler for the Proteas in the longest format of the game, having taken 243 wickets in 52 Tests at an average of 22.41 with 11 five-wicket hauls.

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While Cricket South Africa on Tuesday (August 2) said Rabada’s progress would be closely monitored, the board didn’t share any time frame on his potential return to action.

However, the 27-year-old is definitely out of the two T20Is against Ireland, scheduled to be played in Bristol on August 3 and August 5.

South Africa are leading the World Test Championship (WTC) points table with a PCT of 71.43%, followed by Australia, who are at 70%. The Proteas will look to widen the gap in the three-Test series against a resurgent England, who have been playing fearless cricket under the new management of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

(With Reuters inputs)