South African players have just played their second warm-up ODI which resulted in a washout. In their first warm-up game, they cruised to victory over Sri Lanka with comfortable 87-run margin.
South African side has been prone to injuries like no other. Prior to the World Cup, we saw Anrich Nortje who was ruled out of the IPL and then the World Cup squad. Lungi Ngidi was ruled out of the IPL due to an injury. Rabada had to miss the playoffs of the IPL due to a back injury. Dale Steyn was ruled out as he sustained a shoulder inflammation when playing for RCB in the IPL.
In the 2019 World Cup, the South African camp is served with another blow. Their star fast bowler, Dale Steyn has been deemed unfit for the WC opener against England. This comes as a big blow for South Africa as he was going through a purple patch.
Here is what the South African head coach, Ottis Gibson had to say on the issue- “He”s not quite ready yet. He”s not far away … but not quite yet,” Gibson said on the sidelines of the team”s training. “We think with a six-week tournament, there is no real need to force the issue.
“We know that he is close and he”s getting closer every day. We”ll give him as much time as we can to get him ready. We hope that if not by Sunday then by the India game.”
The Proteas have a strong pace bowling unit with the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. With Steyn ruled out of the first match, Chris Morris or Dwayne Pretorius must step up against a strong English batting line up.
