Ngam suffers new setback

Ngam (right) is seen as a potential star of the future

South African pace bowling prospect Mfuneko Ngam's international comeback is on hold following the latest in a series of injury setbacks.

Ngam was included in the squad for the current one-day series against Bangladesh but missed Thursday's opening game after injuring his foot during a provincial game last weekend.

X-rays have revealed a fracture of the second metatarsal bone in his right foot and he is now likely to undergo surgery.

Sport Academy: Metartarsals - the facts

An orthopaedic specialist has recommended that Ngam's lower leg should be immobilised in a cast for six weeks following the operation and he should not resume full training until three months afterwards..

The prognosis has cast doubt on Ngam's participation in next February's Cricket World Cup, which South Africa will host for the first time.

A statement issued by the United Cricket Board said the doctor believed the 21-year-old has "hyper-elastic syndorme" which means the ligaments in his foot do not support the bones properly.

Two years ago Ngam suffered a stress fracture of the third metatarsal bone in the same foot, but recovered to take 11 wickets in three Test appearances during the 2000-01 season.

Known as 'Black Thunder', he is seen as the long-term successor to Allan Donald, the most successful pace bowler in South African Test history.

The selectors have yet to name a replacement for the two remaining games against Bangladesh.