Cricket: Ngidi ruled out, third fast bowler absent against Australia

South Africa will face Australia in their three-match ODI series without Lungi Ngidi. The 30-year-old fast bowler was ruled out on Friday, September 18, due to a right hamstring injury, as announced by Cricket South Africa.

Ngidi sustained the injury during a domestic first-class match between the Titans and the Dolphins. Tests conducted on Wednesday confirmed the need for a rehabilitation period, which will keep him out of the matches scheduled for September 24, 27, and 30 in Durban, Johannesburg, and Potchefstroom.

His absence adds to those of Kagiso Rabada and Ottneil Baartman, who are also unavailable for this series due to hamstring injuries. As a result, the Proteas will approach the three ODIs against Australia without three of their most experienced fast bowlers.

Cricket South Africa has called up Nqobani Mokoena to replace Ngidi in the 16-player squad. The 20-year-old bowler recently made his ODI debut against Namibia.

Gerald Coetzee had already been recalled to the squad to replace Rabada, while Duan Jansen took Baartman’s place. Marco Jansen, Coetzee, Corbin Bosch, Kwena Maphaka, Duan Jansen, and Mokoena now make up the core of the available fast-bowling options.

Ngidi’s condition will be reassessed ahead of the three-Test series against Australia scheduled for October. Cricket South Africa has not provided a specific date for his return.