South Africa were dealt a big blow on Friday with pacer Lungi Ngidi being ruled out of action for three months at least 12 weeks after sustaining a knee injury.

The Proteas fast bowler suffered the injury in his side’s one-off T20 against Australia recently at the Gold Coast and he is now set to miss the home series against Pakistan at the end of the year.

Apart from the clashes against Pakistan, Ngidi has also dropped out of the Tshwane Spartans squad in the ongoing inaugural Mzansi Super League. The franchise are expected to announce a replacement for the pacer soon.

“Lungi fell awkwardly while fielding during the T20I against Australia last Sunday. He underwent investigations and further assessments with knee specialists upon his return to South Africa, which revealed a significant ligament injury to the right knee,” South Africa team manager Mohammad Moosajee stated.

“Due to the significant nature of the injury, he will require a minimum of 12 weeks of rest and rehabilitation to make a successful return to play,” he added.

The 22-year-old’s lengthy layoff has come at a bad time for the Proteas with regards to their preparations for the 2019 World Cup in England. Ngidi has been their highest wicket-taker in the ODI format over the past calendar year.

Since making his debut against India at the start of the year, Ngidi has picked up 26 wickets in 13 ODIs at an average of just over 23.

The pacer now faces a race against time to get fit for South Africa’s ODI series against Sri Lanka in March next year which will serve as the final preparations for the side heading into the World Cup.

Pakistan visit South Africa at the end of the year with the visitors set to play three Tests, five ODIs and three T20s in their full tour.