New Delhi, September 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
South Africa have suffered another injury setback ahead of their home series against Australia, with fast bowler Lungi Ngidi ruled out of the three-match ODI series due to a right hamstring injury, Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on Friday.
Ngidi sustained the injury during the Titans’ first-class match against Dolphins. Scans conducted on Wednesday confirmed that the pacer will require a period of rehabilitation and will miss the three ODIs, which begin on September 24.
His availability for the subsequent three-match Test series will be assessed closer to the start of the contests.
“Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the three-match Dafabet ODI series against Australia with a right hamstring injury,” CSA said in a social media update.
“His availability for the subsequent Test series will be assessed closer to the start of the series,” the board added.
South Africa have called up 20-year-old fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena as Ngidi’s replacement. Mokoena has already made his ODI debut, featuring in South Africa’s away series against Namibia.
Ngidi’s injury is the third setback for South Africa’s bowling unit ahead of the Australia series. Ottneil Baartman was earlier ruled out of the ODIs after suffering a left hamstring injury while playing for Dolphins against Titans in the same match. Duan Jansen was brought into the squad in his place, with Baartman also targeting a return in time for the Test series.
Kagiso Rabada is another major absentee from the ODI squad after being ruled out with a hamstring injury. The pacer is also working towards regaining fitness for the Tests against Australia. Rabada sustained the injury during winter training and has not played since featuring for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 in May.
With Ngidi, Baartman and Rabada unavailable, Marco Jansen will lead South Africa’s pace attack in the ODI series. He will be joined by Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch, Kwena Maphaka, Duan Jansen and the newly added Mokoena.
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