Proteas coach Ottis Gibson is not ready to call for reinforcements after veteran fast bowler Dale Steyn was ruled out of Thursday's much-anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup opener against England at The Oval.
Steyn departed for the UK with a shoulder injury sustained in the Indian Premier League, where he was playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The inflammation occurred in his right shoulder, the same one which forced him to the sidelines for almost two years after initially hurting back in November 2016 against Australia in Perth.
The 36-year-old was, though, was seen on Tuesday being put through his paces alone on the outfield with fitness coach Greg King as he continues his rehabilitation programme.
Steyn bowled from a short run-up before extending it later on.
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“We believe Dale is going to be okay, so we are not thinking of a replacement yet,” Gibson told a strong South African media contingent. “He’s not quite ready yet. He’s not far away but not quite yet.
“We think that with a six-week tournament there is no real need to force the issue. We know he's close and getting closer every day.
"We’ll give him as much time as we can to get him ready. I'm trying to give a date but we're hoping if not Sunday, then by India (next Wednesday).
Former South Africa captain @GraemeSmith49 gives his immediate reaction to the news that Dale Steyn will miss the opening match of #CWC19 against England at The Oval. pic.twitter.com/YzpOXl7orG
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The coach was confident that, despite the setback, the team remained in good spirits.
“We are chilling out, relaxing. We are trying to keep it as relaxed as possible. The World Cup brings its own pressure. What I am trying to say it that if you take the 'WC' off at the end of the tournament, it is just another cricket match, so we are going to play some cricket on Thursday and have lots of fun doing it.”