South Africa suffer another massive blow before Australia ODIs

South Africa’s depleted ODI squad for the Australia series has taken another hit with seamer Lungi Ngidi withdrawn due to injury. The right‑arm quick suffered a right hamstring injury during a first‑class fixture between Dolphins and Titans last week. Scans confirmed damage to the hamstring, ruling him out of the three‑match series.

Ngidi bowled eight overs in the first innings for Titans, dismissing Keshav Maharaj and conceding 28 runs. He delivered 8.3 overs in the second innings and picked up the wicket of Grant Roelofsen.

His absence adds to South Africa’s growing injury list, with Kagiso Rabada and Ottneil Baartman already sidelined for the 50‑over contests. Nqobani Mokoena has been drafted into the ODI squad as Ngidi’s replacement.

Mokoena, 20, has featured in two ODIs and six T20Is for South Africa, claiming one wicket in the 50‑over format and six in T20Is. 

The Proteas have turned to their senior core for the marquee series. Quinton de Kock and David Miller return and are expected to feature prominently in South Africa’s plans for the upcoming ODI World Cup, which will be co‑hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

South Africa are third on the ICC Men's ODI rankings, whereas Australia are fourth. However, both sides are tied on the same rating (103).

South Africa's updated ODI squad for Australia series

Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Nqobani Mokoena, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs

Australia's tour of South Africa 2026 (ODIs)