South Africa have suffered a major setback ahead of their three-match ODI series against Australia, with fast bowler Lungi Ngidi ruled out due to a right hamstring injury.
South Africa will face Australia in the first ODI in Durban on September 24. The second match will be played in Johannesburg on September 27, while the third and final ODI is scheduled for September 30 in Potchefstroom.
How did Ngidi get injured?
Ngidi picked up the injury while playing a domestic first-class match and complained of discomfort. Scans later confirmed the issue, and the pacer will now undergo rehabilitation.
The injury adds to South Africa’s growing list of concerns. Kagiso Rabada and Ottneil Baartman had already been ruled out of the series because of injuries.
Ngidi played for the Dolphins in their recent first-class match but bowled fewer overs than some of his teammates. He delivered eight overs in the first innings and 8.3 overs in the second innings, while Marco Jansen and Beyers Swanepoel bowled 26 and 20.3 overs respectively.
South Africa will also keep a close eye on Ngidi’s recovery ahead of their World Test Championship series against Australia, which begins on October 9. His availability for the Test series will be assessed closer to the start.
Who will replace Ngidi in ODIs?
Nqobani Mokoena has been called up as Ngidi’s replacement. The young pacer recently made his ODI debut against Namibia, playing two matches and taking one wicket.
Mokoena was also part of the Dolphins squad for their first-class game against Western Province. He bowled 19 overs on the opening day and finished with figures of 1/78 before being released from the match to join the South African team.
South Africa updated squad vs Australia
Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Duan Jansen, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Nqobani Mokoena, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs.