The wait for Dale Steyn’s Proteas return continues

South Africa may have Kagiso Rabada available to play on his home ground in the last Test against Australia at the Wanderers next week, but sadly, the fast bowler who everyone wants to see return, Dale Steyn, is still out with injury and has been ruled out of contention for the fourth Test.

The Proteas had hoped that Steyn would have recovered from his heel injury to play some part in the crucial series – with the selection of four seamers always a possibility at the Wanderers; and the Titans had hoped that South Africa’s second-highest wicket-taker would warm up for his return to Test cricket by playing for them in this weekend’s decisive and final round of the Sunfoil Series.

Titans coach Mark Boucher said, however, that he had received correspondence from the Proteas medical team indicating that Steyn is still not fit enough to play

“As far as I know, it’s not looking good for Dale at the moment. I got an e-mail from Cricket South Africa saying he won’t be available for one or two weeks still. The biggest concern was him being ready for the last Test against Australia, but knowing the type of person Dale is, he is always honest and if he could have, I’m sure he would have played for us. But if his body says no then you can’t rush it,” Boucher said.

Team doctor Mohammed Moosajee confirmed that the rehabilitation program that will govern Steyn’s return to action has not gone as smoothly as expected.

It is believed Steyn, who has been bowling six-over spells in the nets, is fine after his first spell but is feeling pain after the second or third batches of overs.

This meant he has not been able to be considered for a match just yet.

“Dale continues to make steady recovery from the heel injury but he has been set back due to his rehab taking longer than expected. He unfortunately won’t be ready in time to take any part in the current series against Australia,” Moosajee said on Thursday.