South Africa fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia after suffering a right hamstring injury. Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed the setback on Friday and named uncapped seamer Nqobani Mokoena as his replacement in the 16-member squad.
The injury adds to South Africa’s concerns in the pace-bowling department ahead of the series opener in Durban on September 24. Kagiso Rabada and Ottneil Baartman are already sidelined with hamstring injuries, leaving the Proteas with fewer options against the reigning ODI World Cup champions
Nqobani Mokoena Replaces Lungi Ngidi in South Africa’s ODI Squad
CSA confirmed that Ngidi will miss all three ODIs against Australia after picking up the hamstring injury during training. Mokoena has been called up as his replacement and will join the South African squad in Durban ahead of the opening match.
"Proteas Men Squad Update - Dafabet ODI series vs Australia 🚨 Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the three-match Dafabet ODI series against Australia with a right hamstring injury."
"His availability for the subsequent Test series will be assessed closer to the start of the series. Nqobani Mokoena has been added to the 16-player ODI squad as his replacement."
Proteas Men Squad Update - Dafabet ODI series vs Australia 🚨
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 18, 2026
Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the three-match Dafabet ODI series against Australia with a right hamstring injury.
His availability for the subsequent Test series will be assessed closer to the start of the… pic.twitter.com/OcjHa9YIm7
South Africa Face Australia Without Key Pacers
With Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Ottneil Baartman unavailable, South Africa will need their remaining bowling options to step up against Australia’s strong batting lineup.
Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin are the two specialist spinners in the squad. Their ability to control the middle overs could become important, particularly if the conditions favour spin as the series moves across different venues.
Gerald Coetzee has returned to the ODI squad after nearly three years away from 50-over cricket. The former Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans pacer last represented South Africa in an ODI during the 2023 World Cup in India.
Coetzee has dealt with several injury issues since that tournament but now gets another opportunity to establish himself in the national setup. He will be joined in the pace attack by Kwena Maphaka and Mokoena. Jansen and Corbin Bosch could play important roles with both bat and ball.
Dewald Brevis Misses Out as Temba Bavuma Leads South Africa’s Batting
South Africa have also made some notable selection calls in their batting group. Dewald Brevis, who impressed during the recently concluded T20I tri-series in Namibia, has not been included in the ODI squad. Prenelan Subrayen and wicketkeeper-batter Rubin Hermann have also missed out.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius was unavailable for selection because of an injury. The young left-hander was also ruled out of South Africa’s ODI series against Namibia.
Temba Bavuma will captain the side, with Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs forming part of the main batting group. Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton are the two wicketkeeper-batters in the squad.
T20I captain Aiden Markram will join the team for the second and third ODIs. His inclusion gives South Africa another experienced batting and all-round option.
Updated South Africa ODI Squad vs Australia:
Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (WK), Tony de Zorzi, David Miller, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Tristan Stubbs, Duan Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Kwena Maphaka, Nqobani Mokoena, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj.
Also read: Jos Buttler becomes first batter to score 15,000 T20 runs during ENG vs SL 2nd T20I
