Press Trust of India
Bangalore, Nov 13: The visiting South African cricket team was dealt another body blow Friday with injured pace spearhead Dale Steyn being ruled out of the second Test against India starting here Saturday. The development comes close on the heels of South Africa losing Vernon Philander due to multiple ligament injuries in his left ankle.
Steyn was ruled out after he failed to pass the fitness test here Friday. He had suffered a groin injury during the Mohali Test and did not bowl in the second innings, even though he batted.
“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,” South Africa skipper Hashim Amla told reporters before their net practice at Chinnaswamy Stadium here.
However, Amla stated that he was hopeful of Steyn recovering in time for the next Test to be played at Nagpur beginning November 25. “I am hopeful Steyn will recover well on time for the third Test at Nagpur,” he said.
Meanwhile Kyle Abbott arrived here as replacement for the injured Philander. Replying to a query, Amla said that Abbott could replace the injured Steyn. Asked whether the decision to fit Abbott into the squad was taken late because Steyn was injured during first Test, Amla said, “Even if Vernon was playing, we knew we had three quality seamers in the team. So I don’t think it would have mattered much, if Vernon was fit.”
Amla described Abbott as a wonderful professional. “If Kyle has a good match, then so be it, we want him to do that. One thing I do know about Kyle – he is a wonderful professional. When he puts his boots on, he is ready even if he gets off the plane 10 minutes before he bowls the first ball,” asserted Amla.
However, there was a good news for the South African camp to cherish about as their batting all-rounder J P Duminy passed the fitness test.