Bowler Dale Steyn will not play in Proteas first World Cup match
South African head coach Ottis Gibson confirmed that fast bowler Dale Steyn is not match fit to play in the opening match against England this Thursday.
“Dale Steyn won’t be available for the first game. He’s not quite ready yet,” said Gibson. He further explained that Steyn will be completely fit to play in the Proteas’ third game against India on June 5.
This comes after Steyn sustained a shoulder injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He only played two matches for RCB before quickly heading back to South Africa to get fit for World Cup in time. However, his injury is taking slower to heal.
Meanwhile, South African team captain Faf du Plessis has other fast pace bowlers with Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi which will more than make up for Steyn’s absence. Rabada and Ngidi will either be accompanied with all-rounders Chris Morris or Dwaine Pretorius.
South Africa will kick-start the ICC Cricket World Cup with a match against host nation England on May 30 at The Oval.
