Dale Steyn won’t be considered for selection for the third Test against Australia

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South Africa pace bowler Dale Steyn won’t return for the third Test against Australia, but there is a chance he will be fit enough to feature in the fourth Test, which will take place in Johannesburg on March 30.

Steyn has been out of action ever since he sustained significant tissue damage on his left heel during the first Test against India in January.

There were hopes that he would make his long-awaited return during the third Test in Cape Town on March 22, but instead, he is set to represent the Titans in their final first-class match against the Knights on the same day. This comes after Steyn was supposed to play for the franchise in their match against the Cape Cobras on Thursday.

Following the second Test, which the Proteas won by six wickets to level the series at 1-1, South Africa captain Faf du Plessis revealed that he had not heard the latest on Steyn’s recovery.

“I’m not 100% sure where Dale is. From my understanding, he would have needed to play a game this week, which he didn’t, which would probably set him back for the third Test, I would assume,” Du Plessis was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying. “Our plan for him was to play a game. But I would be praying extra hard that he would be ready for that third Test to make sure we can have him available if he [is fit]. On the spot now, I would assume probably on the fourth Test.”

Given that Steyn is out and pace bowler Kagiso Rabada is set to be banned for the last two Tests, it is likely that Morne Morkel will come back into the side for the third Test.