South Africa has suffered a shock before the home ODI series against Australia. Due to injury, the right-arm fast bowler has been ruled out of the ODI series. Nkobani Mokoena has been given a chance in his place. Cricket South Africa confirmed this on Friday.
Ngidi suffered a hamstring injury in his right leg during the Titans' first-class match against the Dolphins. A scan on Wednesday confirmed that he will need some time for rehab and will not be available for the ODI series against Australia starting on September 24.
After the ODI series, South Africa will also play a 3-Test home series against Australia. At present, it is not clear whether Ngidi will be available for the Test series or not.
Cricket South Africa wrote on social media, “Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Australia due to a right hamstring injury. His availability for the further Test series will be determined at the start of the series.”
In place of Ngidi, 20-year-old fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena has been included in the team. He made his debut during the ODI series against Namibia.
Ngidi's injury is the third blow for South Africa before the ODI series. Earlier, Otniel Baartman was also ruled out of the ODI series after suffering a left hamstring injury while playing in the same game for the Dolphins against the Titans. He was replaced by Duane Jensen.
Kagiso Rabada is also out of the ODI series due to hamstring injury. In the absence of Rabada, Ngidi and Bartman, Marco Janssen will lead South Africa's fast bowling attack.