South Africa pacer Lungi Ngidi tests positive for Covid-19, ruled out of Netherlands ODIs

Pacer Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of South Africa’s squad for the three-match ODI series against the Netherlands after testing positive for Covid-19. Fellow bowler Lizaad Williams is also out because of a rib muscle strain with Junior Dala called up to the squad as a replacement, a Cricket South Africa statement added.

Ngidi was a part of South Africa’s squad for the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 but he did not play any games, keeping aside the warm-up matches against Afghanistan and Pakistan. The 31-year-old Junior Dala has been named Ngidi’s replacement.

South Africa are already weakened for their first ODI series against the Dutch after resting six first-choice players involved in the T20 World Cup earlier this month, including captain Temba Bavuma. Khaya Zondo, Daryn Dupavillon and Sisanda Magala have been recalled after missing out on the Sri Lanka series.

South Africa have already rested a host of first-choice players Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje for the three-match series, which is a part of the ICC ODI World Cup Super League, where the Netherlands are placed at the bottom, while the Proteas are situated ninth.

The team is captained by Keshav Maharaj. The first ODI is on Friday at Centurion, followed by matches on Sunday and on December 1.

South Africa squad for Netherlands ODIs: Keshav Maharaj (c), Daryn Dupavillon, Zubayr Hamza, Reeza Hendricks, Sisanda Magala, Janneman Malan, David Miller, Junior Dala, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Wayne Parnell, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Khaya Zondo.