Dale Steyn Ruled Out of Test Series Against India

Dale Steyn incurred a left heel injury during Day 2 of the opening Test in Cape Town.

File photo of Dale Steyn.

(Photo: BCCI)

South Africa were dealt a major blow after their senior most pacer Dale Steyn was ruled out for the remainder of the three-match Test series against India after damaging a tissue on his left heel during Day 2 of the opening Test in Cape Town.

Steyn left the field three balls into his 18th over as he felt a pain on his left heel.

It has been learnt that he will be out of action for a minimum period of four to six weeks.

In his delivery stride in his 18th over, Steyn landed awkwardly on his landing foot and this caused significant tissue damage in the heel area of his foot. He is unlikely to bowl in this Test again as the recovery period is between 4 to 6 weeks. It also means he could be out of the series. We will have a leading ankle surgeon look at him tomorrow (Sunday) and get an opinion. It is important to note that this unfortunate injury was freakish because of the way he landed in the footholes. It is in no way related to his bowling loads or not being match ready.

Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa Team Doctor

Steyn in fact was getting into the groove as he returned with figures of 2 for 51 with wickets of opener Shikhar Dhawan and wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha during his comeback Test. He was out of action for over a year after a major shoulder surgery.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) did not name Steyn in the South African team for the four-day Test against Zimbabwe to preserve him for the series against India.

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