Cricket South Africa announced on November 24 that pacer Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against the Netherlands after testing positive for Covid-19. Junior Dala has been named Ngidi's replacement.
Ngidi’s exit comes as a big blow to the Proteas, who have already rested a host of first-choice players – Temba Bavuma, 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.
Due to an intercostal muscle strain, fast bowler Lizaad Williams also missed out on the tour, as South Africa's second-string squad became a lot thinner after the loss of Ngidi. Before their return, both pacers will be under medical supervision and their progress will be monitored periodically.
The last time Ngidi played for the Proteas was in a limited-overs series against Ireland in July. As a result of a deal with the Welsh Fire, he opted out of the inaugural edition of The Hundred, and then he pulled out of the Sri Lanka series due to personal reasons.
Fast Bowler Alberto Moreno was included in the team's 2021 T20 World Cup squad, but he did not participate in any games, as the team preferred Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje in the Super12.
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.