Published: Jan 01, 2016, 04:12 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 01, 2016, 04:18 PM (IST)
South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the second Test against England, scheduled to be played at Capetown from Friday. Kagiso Rabada will take his place in the playing XI. Steyn had a shoulder scan at the latter stages of the first Test at Durban. It was believed that South Africa might take a gamble and pick him in the side have decided against it. Steyn also missed the final three Tests against India. South Africa conceded the series 0-3. Rabada made his Test debut in the first Test against India at Mohali. He played three Tests in the series but was dropped for the final Test at Delhi as he managed to pick up just two wickets in the three matches. Scorecard: South Africa vs England 2015-16, 2nd Test at Cape Town
The fitness of fellow fast bowler Kyle Abbott is also under scrutiny and he too could miss out. Hardus Viljoen was called in as cover and could find himself making his Test debut on Saturday. Not having both Steyn and Abbott could be a huge problem for South Africa, who are already trailing the series. This is not the way they would have wanted to kick start the new year. READ: Hardus Viljoen called in as cover for Kyle Abbott for South Africa vs England, 2nd Test at Cape Town
Steyn was facing discomfort while bowling on the first day of the match and left the field mid way after 3.2 overs in the second innings. With the fear of being penalised, he continued to stay in the field and bowled the rest of the balls, but his unbearable pain made him to step out the field in 21st over. At that point he was taken for a scan immediately and he returned to the field.
