South Africa have had another setback in their pace bowling department ahead of their three-match ODI series against Australia, as Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out after suffering a right hamstring injury during a domestic first-class match between the Titans and the Dolphins. Scans on September 18, 2026, confirmed that the fast bowler will require time out of the game to recover and be fit again.

South Africa have recalled 20-year-old fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena as Ngidi's replacement. Mokoena made his ODI debut during South Africa's tour of Namibia and is currently playing for the Dolphins in a first-class fixture against Western Province. On the opening day, he bowled 19 overs and took figures of 1/78.

South Africa's pace bowling department hit by multiple injuries

Ngidi's unavailability adds to South Africa's injury concerns ahead of the Australia series. Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury during winter training, and has not played competitive cricket since the conclusion of the IPL in May.

Ottneil Baartman is also sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Duan Jansen was brought in as his replacement before Ngidi's most recent setback.

With three senior pace options unavailable, South Africa face a challenge when it comes to managing their bowling resources against Australia.

How did Lungi Ngidi sustain his hamstring injury?

Ngidi sustained the injury while playing for the Titans in their domestic first-class match against the Dolphins.

The fast bowler bowled eight overs during the Dolphins' first innings before returning to bowl 8.3 in the second innings, and was forced to withdraw from the game.

Medical scans conducted on September 18 confirmed the injury and ruled him out of South Africa's upcoming ODI series.

A decision regarding Ngidi's availability for the Test series against Australia will be made closer to the start of the campaign on October 9, 2026.

The injury comes at an inconvenient time for South Africa, who are gearing up for a busy international schedule that stretches across both white-ball and red-ball cricket.

Marco Jansen set to lead South Africa's pace attack

With Ngidi, Rabada and Baartman unavailable, Marco Jansen is expected to lead South Africa's pace attack in the ODI series against Australia.

Duan Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee and Kwena Maphaka are also available for selection. Mokoena's inclusion adds a young fast-bowling option to the squad following his ODI debut in Namibia.

South Africa's three ODIs against Australia are scheduled for September 24, September 27 and September 30, 2026.

The series will offer a warm-up ahead of the Test campaign, and their bowling depth will be a key consideration for the coaching staff as they finalize their plans.