Injured Steyn out of third Test

CAPE TOWN: Any hopes that Dale Steyn would be available to fill in for Kagiso Rabada in the third Test at Newlands next week have been dashed after the fast bowler’s recovery suffered another delay. Rabada looked to have been ruled out of the final two Tests against Australia on Monday after the ICC handed him a two-Test suspension.

Although South Africa are investigating the merit of an appeal, they look almost certain to be without the top-ranked Test bowler in the world for the second half of a series that is currently square at 1-1. While Steyn would have been a welcome addition to the squad in Rabada’s absence, his availability hinged on whether he was able to play for the Titans in their Sunfoil Series fixture that starts on Thursday.