Steyn out of series after bruised heel

Dale Steyn made his comeback to Test cricket during the ongoing match against India after being out of action for more than a year after shoulder injury.

Steyn has 419 Test scalps and needs only three wickets more to go past Shaun Pollock as the highest wicket-taker in Tests for South Africa.

He bowled with rhythm, speed and craft here before leaving the field in pain on Saturday. Pace bowling great Dale Steyn’s comeback has proved short-lived.

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The South African spearhead has been ruled out from bowling in the ongoing Test and the series with a “badly bruised foot and heel.”

Steyn, who suffered the injury in his 18th over, landed badly on the foot-hole and the remaining three deliveries of the over had to be delivered by Vernon Philander. The 34-year-old Steyn might bat if necessary but South Africa will now have to try winning the Test here with three pacemen and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj.

Steyn, with his two wickets in the Indian first innings here, has 419 Test scalps and needs only three wickets more to go past Shaun Pollock as the highest wicket-taker in Tests for South Africa.

South African team doctor Mohammed Moosajee said Steyn was keen to return to cricket and would see a specialist on Sunday. “But he will not be able to bowl for at least four more weeks. It’s sad, he will be out of the Test series,” he said.