Steyn has yet to recover from a groin strain he suffered in the first Test

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

South Africa pace bowler Dale Steyn will miss the second Test against India in Bangalore as he has not sufficiently recovered from a groin strain.

Steyn suffered the injury during the first Test in Mohali, which South Africa lost by 108 runs.

Steyn’s inability to play is a major blow for the Proteas as they recently learned that pace bowler Vernon Philander had been ruled out for the remainder of the series after he tore ligaments in his left ankle when he stepped on batsman Dean Elgar’s foot while playing a warm-up football match.

South Africa captain Hashim Amla admitted that South Africa will sorely miss the duo, but added that he has his fingers crossed that Steyn will be fully fit by the start of the third Test in Nagpur on November 25.

“Obviously losing Dale, the best bowler in the world, and Vernon, arguably the best all-rounder in the world, certainly changes the dynamics of the side,” Amla told reporters. “I am hopeful Steyn will recover well on time for the third Test at Nagpur.”