Lungi Ngidi, who made a splendid debut in the recently-concluded three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series against Sri Lanka, has been ruled out of the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series after being diagnosed with a ‘left abdominal muscle strain’, Cricket South Africa announced on Friday (January 27).
The 20-year-old right-arm fast bowler sustained the injury during the third and final T20I and is expected to be out of action for a period of three-four weeks. Ngidi finished with impressive Man-of-the-Match figures of 2 for 12 on debut at Centurion, Pretoria. He impressed once again at the Wanderers in the second game finishing with career-best figures of 4 for 19, although his efforts failed to stop Sri Lanka from clinching a hard-earned three-wicket victory.
Ngidi was reduced to bowling just two overs in the final game in Cape Town after sustaining the injury when he appeared to have landed awkwardly on his left hip while attempting a diving stop.
“Lungi landed awkwardly on his left hip while fielding during the 3rd T20 International against Sri Lanka on Tuesday,” Dr Mohammed Moosajee, the South African team manager, said. “Subsequent scans confirmed an abdominal muscle wall tear which will rule him out for 3-4 weeks. It is a sensitive injury because the abdominal wall is highly loaded during the fast-bowling action so full recovery is important before he can resume bowling at 100% match intensity. He will follow a thorough rehab and treatment plan to give him the best opportunity to return to full fitness,” he added.
Ngidi’s availability for selection for the one-day series in New Zealand now relies on him passing the required return-to-play protocol, as specified by Cricket South Africa.
 series against Sri Lanka, has been ruled out of the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series after being diagnosed with a 'left abdominal muscle strain', Cricket South Africa announced on Friday (January 27).){kind=link}