Dale Steyn Ruled Out of First Test

Dale Steyn has been ruled out of bowling in the ongoing Test match against India due to a heel injury sustained on the second day of play at PPC Newlands on Saturday.

The fast bowler landed awkwardly in footmarks while bowling shortly before the tea break, with subsequent scans confirming tissue damage to the foot.

A decision on Steyn’s availability to bat will be made in consultation with the medical committee as the match progresses.

Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee explained: “Dale landed awkwardly in foot-holes during his delivery stride in his 18th over today. This caused a significant strain to the foot, leading to tissue damage on the underside of the foot in the heel area.

“He is unlikely to bowl further in this Test match because the recovery period could be anything from four to six weeks, which means he is likely to miss the remainder of the series against India.

“We have contacted one of the leading foot and ankle surgeons attached to Cricket South Africa’s medical committee to have a look at him tomorrow to give us an opinion going forward. It’s important to note that this unfortunate injury was freakish because of the way the foot landed in the foot-holes and it is no way related to his bowling loads or not being match ready.”

Source: cricket.co.za