Proteas coach Ottis Gibson says they will not rush Dale Steyn back into the team.
Veteren speedster Steyn was ruled out of the Proteas’ World Cup opener against England at the Oval on Thursday (11.30am).
And while he is also set to miss Sunday’s match against Afghanistan, Gibson hopes his speedster will be ready to face India next Wednesday.
The coach explains: “He’s not ready yet, not far away, but he’s not quite ready yet.
“With a six-week tournament, there is no real need to force the issue right now. He’s close and getting closer every day; we’ll give him as much time as we can to get ready. We’re hoping that if it’s not Sunday, then possibly against India.”
RECOVERY: Dale Steyn will not be part of the team taking on England in the World Cup opener announces coach Ottis Gibson. Video: Twitter/@ZaahierAdams.
The coach says they looked at the pitch at The Oval and that there is a “tinge” of green on it, meaning the fast bowlers might play an important part in the match.
But he adds that they will assess the conditions again and might even opt to go for an extra spin bowler to replace Steyn.
Gibson says of the options available to him: “At the moment we have three allrounders [Chris] Morris, [Andile] Phelukhwayo and [Dwaine] Pretorius - one of those three can come in and [Tabraiz] Shamzi can also come in.
“When we come back [and look at the pitch again] we will make a decision.”