Injured Ngidi out of England series opener
Ngidi has been diagnosed with a "significant Grade 1 hamstring muscle tear", which he picked up during warm-ups ahead of the Mzansi Super League play-offs, Cricket South Africa confirmed on Sunday, 15 December.
Tshwane Spartans made it to the final of the T20 competition, against Nelson Mandela Bay Giants on Monday, but Ngidi will be forced to watch from the sidelines.
"Lungi Ngidi sustained an acute hamstring muscle injury during the warm-up prior to the MSL T20 play-off on Friday. Scans done on Saturday showed a significant Grade 1 tear of his hamstring muscle and therefore he has been ruled out of the MSL T20 final," CSA chief medical officer Dr Shuaib Manjra said.
#BreakingNews Tshwane Spartans bowler, Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the MSL T20 final against hosts, Paarl Rocks this coming Monday. He sustained a “significant Grade 1 hamstring muscle tear” during the team’s warm-up of the MSL play-off against the NMB Giants in PE. pic.twitter.com/otAlAZdlih
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 15, 2019
"He will commence his rehab and return to play in January 2020, and based on his progress, a decision will be made regarding his availability for selection for the Proteas team."
South Africa are set to take on England in four Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is, starting with the Boxing Day Test in Centurion.
Ngidi's young career has been hindered by injury-forced breaks. He last played a Test on the tour of India, where he featured in only the final match.