Steyn suffers another injury setback

South Africa bowler could miss rest of India series

Dale Steyn will not bowl again in the first Test against India and could miss the rest of the three-match series.

Steyn - playing in his first Test since November 2016 after recovering from a shoulder injury - pulled up in his 18th over with a heel injury.

The destructive paceman - who is just two wickets behind Shaun Pollock’s Test tally of 421 - will not bowl further in the match but will wield the willow if required.

South Africa team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee said: "We have contacted one of the leading foot and ankle surgeons attached to Cricket South Africa's medical committee to have a look at him tomorrow to give us an opinion going forward.

"He is unlikely to bowl further in this Test match because the recovery period could be anything from four to six weeks, which means he is likely to miss the remainder of the series against India.”

If he does miss the next two Tests, Steyn’s focus will be on the four-match series against Australia in South Africa starting March 1. The visit of Steve Smith and co represents a tantalising prospect, one that will be all the more so if Steyn is involved.

The bowler claimed two wickets before leaving the field as the Proteas bowled India out for 209 on day two at Cape Town, securing a first-innings lead of 77.

It could have been a far greater deficit if it were not for a superb counterattacking effort from Hardik Pandya (93 from 95) who rescued India from 97 for 7. Pandya shared a 99-run stand with Bhuvenshwar Kumar to give the tourists some hope.

Kagiso Rabada denied the Indian his second Test century. But Pandya was not done. 

The allrounder removed openers Aiden Markram (34) and Dean Elgar (25) before the day was over. Without him, the match would already be beyond India.

Hashim Amla and nightwatchman Kagiso Rabada will resume day three with South Africa 65 for 2, leading by 142.

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