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World Cup: Big blow for SA ahead of India game

June 03, 2019 11:38 IST

Lungi Ngidi ruled out for 'at least a week to 10 days'; Amla recovering well

Ngidi suffered a left hamstring injury during team's defeat against Bangladesh on Sunday and hobbled out of the field after bowling only four overs

IMAGE: Lungi Ngidi suffered a left hamstring injury during team's defeat against Bangladesh on Sunday and hobbled out of the field after bowling only four overs. Photograph: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

South Africa's troubles have compounded after young fast bowler Lungi Ngidi was ruled out of the team's next World Cup game against India in Southampton on Wednesday.

Ngidi suffered a left hamstring injury during team's defeat against Bangladesh on Sunday and hobbled out of the field after bowling only four overs.

"Ngidi suffered a sharp discomfort in his left hamstring. We decided he had a hamstring strain. He will be out for at least a week to 10 days," team doctor Mohammed Moosajee said after the match against Bangladesh at the Oval.

 

"He will have a scan tomorrow and hopefully ready for the West Indies game."

Ngidi has had injury issues having missed IPL due to a side strain while playing a home series against Sri Lanka.

Ngidi's ideal replacement should be Dale Steyn provided he gets fit in time. Steyn bowled a couple of overs in the nets but there is still no clarity on his availability for the India game.

If Steyn doesn't make it, all rounder Chris Morris could possibly be an ideal replacement.

There was however some positive news for the Proteas as senior batsman Hashim Amla seems to have recovered from the concussions suffered after being hit in the helmet by Jofra Archer.

"The plan is to have him ready for the India game in Southampton. His initial reports on concussion was inconclusive. The next test showed he could bat. However he felt some symptoms and was rested for the Bangladesh game," Moosajee said.