Proteas paceman Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the ODI series against Sri Lanka with an abdominal injury.

The 20-year-old, who starred in the T20 series with six wickets from his first two games, sustained the injury in the third match at Newlands on Wednesday, and will need 3-4 weeks to recover.

Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee commented on the injury: ‘Lungi landed awkwardly on his left hip while fielding. Subsequent scans confirmed an abdominal muscle wall tear. 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.’

 Ngidi’s availability for selection for the latter part of the ODI series against New Zealand will be subject to him passing the required return-to-play protocol.

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