Dale Steyn, Coronavirus
Dale Steyn. Credit: Getty Images

Even before the start of the World Cup, South Africa have suffered a huge blow as their veteran pace Dale Steyn has been rued out of the tournament-opener against England on May 30 at the Oval. Steyn had also missed the first warm-up game against Sri Lanka last week.  The reason behind the absence is not yet known but the likely reason is the shoulder problem which had ruled him out of this year’s Indian Premier League.

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The 35-year-old South African, who had only joined Royal Challengers Bangalore as a late replacement for Australia’s Nathan Coulter-Nile, played just two games before experiencing trouble in his shoulder.  South Africa then decided to call him back as a precautionary measure. However, later Cricket South Africa had stated that Steyn would be fit in time to face England.

World Cup 2019: Dale Steyn Ruled Out Of Tournament-Opener Against England
Dale Steyn (Credits: IPL)

“There was an issue with KG [Rabada] and there was an issue with Dale, but we feel that those guys are on track,”  head coach Ottis Gibson had said. “There’s nothing that people should be alarmed about. They’re going to both make full recoveries and be able to take their place at the World Cup.”

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South Africa will now be hoping that Steyn recovers as quickly as possible. After taking on England, they will face Bangladesh on June 2 before locking horns against India on June 5. In Steyn’s absence, the onus will be on Kagiso Rabad to lead the pace attack. Lungi Ngidi, Chris Morris and Andile Phehlukwayo are the other pacers in the team.

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South Africa, meanwhile, have prepared for their World Cup-opener in style by dismantling Sri Lanka. Fifties from Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis had helped the Proteas pile up 338 for 7 before the bowlers bowled out the Islanders for just 251 to power their side to 87-run win. England, on the other hand, lost to Australia in their first warm-up game before thumping Afghanistan in their second.