South Africa faces a big setback ahead of the World Cup
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ISLAMABAD - South Africa faces a big setback ahead of the World Cup 2019.
South African head coach Ottis Gibson on Tuesday confirmed that pace spearhead Dale Steyn will miss South Africa's World Cup's opener against England on Thursday due to a shoulder injury.
Steyn, 35, picked up the injury while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.
Gibson, however, expressed hope that Steyn would get fit to play against Bangladesh in their second match on Sunday.
“Dale is not quite ready yet. He is not far away but he is not ready yet, we think with a six-week tournament there is no real need to force the issue so he won’t be available.
We know he is close and is getting closer every day. We will give him as much time as he needs to get ready.
I am trying to give a date but we are hoping if not Sunday, then certainly by India [next Wednesday]," Gibson was quoted as saying in a ICC press release.
