Lungi Ngidi ruled out of Australia ODI series with hamstring injury

Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of South Africa’s three-match one-day international series against Australia because of a right hamstring injury.

Ngidi experienced discomfort while playing in the opening domestic first-class match between the Titans and Dolphins. Scans conducted on Wednesday confirmed the injury, and he will now begin rehabilitation.

Dolphins seamer Nqobani Mokoena has been added to the 16-player ODI squad as Ngidi’s replacement.

Test availability to be assessed

Cricket South Africa said Ngidi’s availability for the Test series against Australia would be assessed closer to the start of those matches. The first Test is scheduled to begin in Durban on 9 October.

The ODI series starts at Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday, 24 September. The second match will be played at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on 27 September, followed by the final ODI in Potchefstroom on 30 September.

Ngidi’s withdrawal removes an experienced right-arm fast bowler from the South African attack. The original squad also included Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen and Kwena Maphaka among the pace options.

Temba Bavuma will captain the Proteas in the series. Aiden Markram is due to be available for the second and third ODIs.

Mokoena’s inclusion gives the Dolphins bowler an opportunity in the national squad ahead of the home series. Final playing elevens will be confirmed closer to each match.