South Africa paceman Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the Test series and one-day international showdowns with Pakistan due to a knee injury.
The 22-year-old quick did the damage while fielding in a Twenty20 international victory over Australia last week.
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Ngidi will be out for 12 weeks, so the Proteas must do without him for a three-match Test series and five 50-over encounters with Pakistan.
South Africa will be hoping Ngidi will be available to return for either the first or second Test against Sri Lanka in February.
"Lungi fell awkwardly while fielding during the T20I against Australia last Sunday," said Proteas team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee.
"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.
"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."
