Lungi Ngidi, Proteas fast bowler has been removed from the upcoming ODI series against the Netherlands after he was medically confirmed to have tested positive to Covid-19.

The Cricket SA have stated that Ngidi is well and in good spirits and the Proteas medical team are monitoring his physical and mental well-being.

Ngidi’s Titans teammate Junior Dala has been called up to replace him.

The Proteas have suffered a further blow to their fast bowling stocks with Lizaad Williams also withdrawing from the series due to a intercostal muscle strain. Williams is undergoing treatement and will continue to be assessed with no replacement required.

Ngidi’s withdrawal, though, due to Covid-19 is the latest blow in tumultuous year for the 25-year-old. The hulking speedster has not played for the Proteas in a competitive match since the second T20I against Ireland back in July.

He withdrew from the Hundred competition in England after signing for the Welsh Fire too and then missed the Sri Lanka series due to “personal reasons” and instead headed straight off to the Indian Premier League where he worked on his fitness with former Proteas trainer Greg King at the Chennai Super Kings ahead of the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.