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AUS vs SA: Big shock to South Africa before the ODI series against Australia, Lungi Ngidi out, Makoena gets a chance
Just before the 3-match ODI series against Australia, South Africa's bowling line-up has completely disintegrated. Star fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the series due to a hamstring (thigh muscle) injury. Ngidi has become the third main fast bowler of South Africa to be ruled out of this series after Kagiso Rabada and Otniel Bartman.
In his place, 20-year-old young fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena has been included in the ODI squad.
Injury and selection highlights
- How Ngidi got injured: Ngidi suffered a strain in his right hamstring during the domestic first-class match (between Titans and Dolphins). Doctors have advised him for rehabilitation after the scan.
- 20-year-old Makoena's surprise entry: Young bowler Nqobani Makoena, who recently made his ODI debut on the Namibia tour, has received a call to immediately join the South African team. He was playing a domestic match, where he was withdrawn mid-match after bowling 19 overs in the first innings.
- Who will now command the pace attack: After the exit of Rabada, Ngidi and Bartman, South Africa's fast bowling will be led by Marco Jansen. He is joined in the squad by his twin brother Duane Yansen, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee and youngster Kwena Mafaka.
- Suspense on Test series also: Apart from the ODI series, there is doubt over the play of Ngidi and Rabada in the 3-match Test series against Australia starting from October 9. The board will take a decision on Ngidi's return to Test only as the series approaches.
South Africa's updated ODI squad
Squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Brytzke, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony De Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuyn, Duane Jansen, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Mafaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Nqobani Makoena, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs.
