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Injured Steyn will miss third Test

25/07/2008

South Africa have been dealt a massive blow after premier fast bowler Dale Steyn was ruled out of the third Test against England.

Steyn broke his thumb while trying to field off his own bowling in the second Test at Headingley on Monday. He will now definitely miss the third Test at Edgbaston next Wednesday and could also be ruled out for the fourth and final Test at the Oval.

"It will be on for between two and three weeks, then we will take another x-ray and take a decision from there," said team manager Mohammed Moosajee.

"If it doesn't heal in time he may (miss the fourth Test at the Oval starting August 7) but we are giving ourselves a window for him to be re-assessed in two weeks.

"The risk for Edgbaston was that if he played he might have done further damage and then needed surgery."

Steyn is a vital member of the South African bowling attack and took seven wickets in the second Test as his team went 1-0 up in the series. Coach Mickey Arthur described missing Steyn as a "huge blow" but added that he felt his team had good back-up bowlers.

The experienced Andre Nel, who was close to being called up for the second Test, is the man most likely to replace Steyn. Monde Zondeki is the other notable fast bowler in the South African squad and Arthur said he also too has a good chance of being selected.