Ngam suffers fresh stress fracture

South African fast bowler Mfuneko Ngam will be out of action for several weeks after it was revealed he had suffered another stress fracture.

South African team physiotherapist Craig Smith told journalists on Friday that Ngam had suffered another stress fracture, this time in the right leg.

"We have poor news," Smith said. "Mfuneko Ngam has a stress fracture of the right tibia. Pain started about ten days ago and got worse to the point that bowling in the nets on Monday he was sore and couldn't continue.

"He had a bone scan this week which came out positive and he's going to be out for a four to six week period.

"It's obviously very disturbing that this is now his fifth stress fracture in the last five years, all but one in different areas of the body."

Smith said the team would consult with specialists to determine why Ngam is susceptible to the injury.

Ngam was named one of South Africa's five cricketers of the year this month after his impressive debut in international cricket last season.

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Mail Cricket Editor