SA vs AUS, 2018: Dale Steyn not in contention for first two Tests

Dale Steyn is an unlikely starter in South Africa’s campaign for the four-match Test series against Australia. In fact, he will only be in contention for selection after the first two Test matches.

The right-arm speedster Steyn suffered a muscle tear during the first Test against India, which ruled him out of the full Test series.

Steyn was playing his first Test after 14 months.

“He’s ahead of his rehab at the moment. He’s been running comfortably without pain, but he’ll probably need a couple more weeks before he’s there. We would want Dale to play at least one, preferably two (Sunfoil Series) games before he comes back for the national team,” Dr Shuaib Manjra told Cricbuzz.

Steyn has had been troubled by a lot of injuries in past a couple of years. During the Test series against Australia in 2016, he was ruled out during the first Test due to a shoulder injury.

Later, it turned out to be a fracture, which kept him out from ICC Champions Trophy, Indian Premier League (IPL) and tour of England. He made his comeback to the side for the Zimbabwe Test but couldn’t participate in it due to viral fever.

When he finally returned to the side, injury again followed the pacer. His injury concerns also saw him going unsold in the IPL auction.

The Australia series is probably the make or break time for Steyn as further injuries may lead the way to retirement.

With South African pace attack having a great mix of experience and youth, it may also not be able to make a comeback after this series.

The clock is ticking on Dale Steyn and the pacer has a steep challenge in front of him.

Meanwhile, AB de Villiers and Quinton de Kock are all set to make a comeback to the national side. De Villiers missed three ODIs against India while is not a part of the T20I side due to an injury.

On the other hand, de Kock missed the major part of the ODI series and is not part of the T20I side. Faf du Plessis is still a doubtful starter for the first Test.

If he will not be declared fit for the first Test, De Villiers is expected to lead the side. Sout Africa are expected to go with the same faces in the first Test against Australia, starting on March 1.

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