Huge blow for South Africa as Steyn set to miss first two WC games

South Africa
Dale Steyn South Africa PA

A shoulder problem has ruled Dale Steyn out of South Africa’s 2019 World Cup opener against England at The Oval on Thursday.

Head coach Ottis Gibson will be without the veteran paceman to begin the campaign, with Steyn not yet at 100% fully fit after suffering a problem which saw him cut short his time in the IPL.

As per Sport24, Steyn played a ‘limited role at Proteas training’ on Tuesday, bowling just a few balls from a shorter run-up before spending time batting.

Steyn is also reportedly likely to miss Sunday’s game against Bangladesh at The Oval too, with Gibson now looking ahead to the June 5 fixture against India as his first chance to deploy Steyn.

In the 35-year-old’s absence South Africa are apparently likely to go with either Dwaine Pretorius or Chris Morris to bolster their pace bowling options.

Morris is considered ‘the most like-for-like replacement’ as a bowler, plus he can provide some destructive late cameos with the bat that increases the depth of their order.

SEE ALSO:

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Full squad lists

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Fixtures, results and standings

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: All you need to know

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