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

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
Latest
-
News
Ben Stokes pledges England will play with no fear against Australia
Stokes has led his team to victory in 11 of his 13 Tests since he was installed as permanent skipper at the start of last summer.
-
The Ashes
Steve Smith looking forward to seeing how England fare against Australia attack
All five of Australia’s bowlers claimed a wicket as India were reduced to 151 for five in the World Test Championship final – still 318 runs behind.
-
World Test Championship
India struggle for runs as Australia gain upper hand in World Test Championship
By stumps on day two India were 318 behind on 151 for five.
-
The Ashes
Ollie Pope admits England are searching for methods to unsettle Steve Smith
Smith ground India’s bowlers down with a meticulous 121 at the Oval.
-
World Test Championship
India lose openers cheaply as Australia build on Steve Smith ton in WTC final
India were 37 for two at tea after Australia were bowled out for 469.
-
World Test Championship
Australia’s Steve Smith racks up seventh Test century on English soil
Smith helped his side reach 442 for seven on day two against India at the Oval.
-
England
On this day 2011: England’s Matt Prior reprimanded over smashed window at Lord’s
Prior’s angry reaction came after he was run out on the final day of the second Test against Sri Lanka.
-
T20 Blast
Jos Buttler hits half-century as Lancashire return to winning ways in the Blast
Opener Buttler hit 58 off 42 balls as the hosts successfully chased down 178
-
The Ashes
Jos Buttler believes Moeen Ali will thrive on return to England’s Test side
has not played an international Test for nearly two years.