Proteas Suffer Another Injury Blow as Key Player Is Ruled Out of Australia ODIs

• The Proteas have suffered another setback just days before their Australia ODI series, with a key player now unavailable
• South Africa have been forced to make another change to their squad as injury concerns continue to affect the pace attack
• The latest development has opened the door for a young Proteas seamer to join the squad ahead of the Australia series

The Proteas have suffered another injury blow ahead of their three-match ODI series against Australia, with key fast bowler Lungi Ngidi ruled out after sustaining a right hamstring injury.

Cricket South Africa confirmed the development on Friday, 18 September 2026, after scans were conducted following Ngidi’s discomfort during domestic first-class action. The right-armer will now undergo rehabilitation.

“Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the three-match Dafabet ODI series against Australia with a right hamstring injury,” CSA said in its squad update.

“His availability for the subsequent Test series will be assessed closer to the start of the series.”

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Ngidi picked up the problem while playing for the Titans against the Dolphins during the opening round of the domestic first-class season. SABC Sport reported that the injury adds to South Africa’s concerns in the pace-bowling department.

Proteas pace attack takes another hit

Ngidi becomes the third senior fast bowler unavailable for the ODI series after Kagiso Rabada and Ottneil Baartman were also ruled out with hamstring injuries.

South Africa have responded by calling up 20-year-old Nqobani Mokoena. The Dolphins seamer recently made his ODI debut against Namibia, played in two matches and took one wicket.

Gerald Coetzee has also returned to the ODI squad, while Duan Jansen was added following Baartman’s withdrawal. Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka are among the other pace options available.

Australia ODIs begin on 24 September

The first ODI will be played at Kingsmead in Durban on 24 September, followed by matches at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on 27 September and JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on 30 September.

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The ODI series will be followed by three Tests, beginning in Durban on 9 October. Ngidi’s availability for that series remains undecided.

His rehabilitation will therefore be closely watched as South Africa prepare for a busy multi-format campaign against Australia.

Graeme Smith’s warning ahead of Australia series

Briefly News previously reported that former Proteas captain Graeme Smith had issued a warning ahead of South Africa’s Australia showdown, highlighting the pressure likely to fall on the team’s senior players.

Smith also discussed the impact of Kagiso Rabada’s absence on the bowling attack and identified several players who could play an important role as the Proteas prepare for a demanding home series. Read the full story for the details of his warning.

Source: Briefly News