Veteran fast bowler Dale Steyn has been ruled out of South Africa’s opening match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 against England on Thursday.
Steyn aggravated a right shoulder injury during his brief two-match stint in the Indian Premier League with Royal Challengers Bangalore in April.
Steyn joined RCB as a replacement for Australian Nathan Coulter-Nile, who was injured.
Coach Ottis Gibson told journalists that Steyn won’t be fully fit in time for the tournament opener.
Steyn may also miss South Africa’s second match, against Bangladesh at The Oval on Sunday.
“He is getting closer everyday; we hope that if not by Sunday then by the India game,” Gibson said.
Dwaine Pretorius or Chris Morris have been mentioned as likely replacements for the 35-year-old.
The Proteas have been hit by a series of injuries in the run-up to the Cricket World Cup with Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje among the casualties.
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 gets underway on Thursday, May 30.
