Dale Steyn set to miss Delhi Test?

South Africa will need Dale Steyn in their upcoming series against England

The South African team will try hard not to return home with a scoreline of 3-0. The question that now arises is will they bring back Dale Steyn for the final face-off against India in Delhi that starts from December 3.

The 32-year-old pacer has missed two-and-a-half Tests of this four matches series, owing to an injury. If Delhi Test was a decider, South Africa might have stressed upon playing with Steyn on field but now there is nothing to achieve. Playing in the Delhi Test can be a warm-up for Steyn Gun as South Africa will be playing England less than three weeks after their return from India.

The bowler himself has said that bowling competitively makes his performance better. Before the Boxing Day Test against South Africa, there are Sunfoil matches in which Steyn can play. Thus he doesn’t need to stress himself in the upcoming Delhi Test. If there is doubt regarding his recovery, selectors might rest him for Delhi Test.

Not just Steyn, the visitors have been missing Vernon Philander as well who had to be kept out of the team because of torn ankle ligaments. He might miss out the early part of series against England. In the Delhi test, South Africa might rest Kagiso Rabada and give chance to reserve seamers Kyle Abbott and Marchant de Lange.

For a month, batsman Temba Bavuma hasn’t got a chance to play despite being in the squad.

Selectors might give him a chance in the middle order in place of Stiaan van Zyl whose performance hasn’t been satisfying. If that happens, the Proteas will have to drop wicketkeeper Dane Vilas who hasn’t been much lucky in this series. There are chances of Quinton de Kock getting a call back in the team and replacing Vilas. That will also give a chance to test if Bavuma and extra spinner Dane Piedt deserve a permanent spot in the team.

In a Test series, teams generally try to play with their best XI. However, much to their disappointment the visiting team haven’t been able to do so due to injuries. The goal that they have now is not only to avoid another loss but also to prepare for the next challenge.