South Africa in England 2008

Steyn ruled out of third Test

Cricinfo staff

July 25, 2008

Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the third Test against England, at Edgbaston, after fracturing his thumb. He will need two to three weeks recovery time, but has a chance of being fit for the final Test at The Oval.

Initially it had been thought the injury wasn't severe enough to put his place in doubt, but subsequent x-rays revealed the extent of the problem. He has had the thumb put in a cast to speed the recovery process.

Andre Nel is the most likely replacement at Edgbaston although Monde Zondeki, who made his Test debut on the 2003 tour of England, is also in the squad.

"Missing a player of Dale's calibre is a huge blow, but I feel we have such good depth with the likes of Andre and Monde," said coach Mickey Arthur. "Nel is probably next in the queue. That was why I was strong on wanting good reserve strength with experienced players who know about the intensity of Test cricket."

Steyn took seven wickets in South Africa's ten-wicket win over England in Headingley after a sluggish start in the opening Test at Lord's. He has risen rapidly up the world rankings over the last 12 months and has become the spearhead of South Africa's attack.

There were also injury concerns over Paul Harris, who hurt his right wrist after slipping in his hotel bathroom. However, he was passed fit for the three-day game against Bangladesh A as he aims to maintain his place in the Test eleven. He claimed three wickets at Lord's, but didn't make an impression at Headingley as the quick bowlers did the damage.

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