“We are positive that he will make a successful return to international cricket”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

South Africa pace bowler Dale Steyn will begin his long road to recovery after undergoing successful surgery on his right shoulder.

Steyn injured his shoulder while bowling to Australia batsman Usman Khawaja in the 38th over of the first Test in Perth, which the Proteas won by 177 runs.

He was subsequently diagnosed with a “fracture of the bone in the shoulder joint” and went under the knife in Cape Town. Steyn’s surgery was performed by a renowned shoulder specialist and he is now expected to be out of action for at least six months.

“Dale had successful surgery on Thursday where the fracture in the right shoulder blade was fixated with the placement of a screw,” South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee said. “We expect a minimum six-month rehabilitation period before he can start any form of bowling. It is crucial to give the injury enough time to heal and to make sure that he is completely pain-free before he starts bowling again.

“He will begin with his rehabilitation programme once the satisfactory bony healing has taken place; this is excepted to be in a few weeks.

“We are positive that he will make a successful return to international cricket. He will be provided with the best possible support and guidance led by our physiotherapist, Brandon Jackson, and Cricket South Africa’s medical committee, which will give him the best opportunity to make a successful return to full fitness.”