Dale Steyn, Euro T20 Slam,
Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Dale Steyn could very well miss out on playing South Africa’s third match of World Cup 2019 against India as the right-arm pacer did not train with the team on the eve of the match. He was present during the net session but neither he bowled, nor did he bat. It gives a clear indication that he is still not fit and needs time to recover.

If this is the case, then Steyn could sit out of the team’s third World Cup tie as well, which will be a big upset for Proteas. It is to be noted that South Africa will be without the services of Lungi Ngidi. The right-arm pacer had suffered a hamstring injury during the match against Bangladesh and will need 10 days to recover.

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In his absence, Steyn was to make a comeback but it is not confirmed whether he is fit for India match or not. He had trained yesterday along with Hashim Amla. There were signs that Steyn will also train on the eve of the match but he did not bowl during the net session.

He is dealing with a shoulder issue that cropped up during his IPL stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore. He was roped in by the franchise as a replacement for Nathan Coulter-Nile but after playing just two matches, Steyn got ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder issue.

Dale Steyn Avoids Bowling On Eve Of India Match, Remains In Doubt For Marquee Clash 1

At first, he was to get fit for the tournament but two days before the match, it was confirmed that he will not play the opening match of the tournament. He was later ruled out of Bangladesh match and looking at the updates, he could also miss tomorrow’ match against India. Dwayne Pretorius, who was benched for the previous match, looks likely contender to replace Ngidi in the playing XI.

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South Africa though can get the services of Hashim Amla. He had suffered a blow to his helmet during the tournament-opener against England after a bouncer from Jofra Archer hit him on the helmet.

Amla retired early in the innings and came out to bat later. He missed the Bangladesh tie but looks set to play against India. A comeback for Amla will also see a change in the batting order and Aiden Markram will be back to bat at number three position.