South Africa and Chennai Super Kings fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has tested positive for Covid-19, forcing him to drop out of his team’s three-match One Day International (ODI) series against the Netherlands.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced the news on Wednesday and added that medium-pacer Junior Dala has been named as a replacement. Besides Ngidi, the team lacks another fast bowler, Lizaad Williams, in the unit, who is out due to a rib muscle strain. CSA’s statement read, “Lungi Ngidi has also been forced to withdraw from the tour after testing positive for COVID-19. He is well and in good spirits and abiding by CSA's COVID-19 protocols, in line with government regulations. The Proteas medical team will keep in contact with him to ensure his physical and mental well-being.”

“Junior Dala has been called up to the #Proteas squad after Lizaad Williams (intercostal muscle strain) and Lungi Ngidi (Covid Positive) were withdrawn from the squad ahead of the #BetwayODISeries against @KNCBcricket,” CSA wrote in a tweet. Lungi Ngidi plays in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings, who bought him for Rs 50 lakhs at the 2018 auction.