5 fast bowlers who could replace Dale Steyn in the series against Australia

In a major blow to South Africa's hopes in their tour Down Under, strike bowler, Dale Steyn once again suffered a stress fracture of his bowling shoulder. The recurrence of an injury that had kept him out of the England series saw Steyn walk off with that fiery look the world is so familiar with now.

Although he started Australia's dramatic collapse on Day 2 by dismissing the unstoppable David Warner for the first time in the nineties, his afternoon did not get any better as he failed to complete his very next over, pulling his shoulder on his follow through.

Cricket South Africa manager, Mohammed Moosajee said, "An injury of this nature is rare and will in all likelihood require surgery, but that will only be confirmed once we receive an opinion from the specialist."

This rules Steyn out of the Australian series and it isn't good news for the Proteas who could not avail the services of their other senior pace bowler, Morne Morkel, due to him being not 100% yet after suffering an injury. Morkel and Abbott offer good backup options for Dale Steyn for the next two Tests but another quickie is likely to be called up to Australia and with Parnell and Morris out injured, the less experienced guys may get chances.

Here, we take a look at 5 potential replacements for Steyn:

#5 Duanne Olivier

Olivier could a future star for South Africa

The Knights pace bowler has been a revelation in the SunFoil Series, South Africa's domestic First-Class tournament in the past two years. A right-arm seamer with a strong action, Olivier has been the spearhead of the Knights attack.

In the 2015-16 Sunfoil season, Olivier finished as the second highest wicket-taker behind Hardus Viljoen with 41 scalps in 7 matches at an average of 16.01 and a match-best of 8/81. He also had 3 five-wicket hauls in an innings to show for at the end of the season.

His overall record is also impressive at 212 wickets in 55 matches. At 24, he is young and his development would stem from interaction with the likes of Philander and Morkel.

#4 Dane Paterson

Paterson has been on the rise over the past few years

The Dolphins seamer has been knocking on the doors of the selectors for quite some time with consistent performances in the domestic circuit. The top wicket taker of the 2014-15 season with 42 scalps, Paterson succumbed to an injury which prevented him from participating much in the following season.

He has started this season in fine style with a five-wicket haul for Dolphins yesterday. 253 wickets in 76 matches at 23.39 showcases the consistency in his bowling. While he operates at medium pace, his ability to adapt to any surface makes him a bright prospect.

Paterson could come in and make a handy contribution if he gets a chance. He can swing the ball early and generate chances with his consistent lines. Although if picked, the selection might be a little left-field.

#3 Hardus Viljoen

Viljoen’s pace could make him the ideal replacement for Steyn

The sensationally quick Hardus Viljoen forced himself into the Test team in the series against England with a brilliant SunFoil series behind him in 2015/16. He was the top wicket-taker of the series with 47 wickets and led Lions to a tournament victory.

He was the second highest wicket-taker in the previous season of the SunFoil series as well with 39 wickets and his fiery pace and bounce became a nightmare in the domestic scene.

Viljoen picked up England captain Alastair Cook with his first ball in Test cricket but unfortunately vanished from the Test squad as Morkel and Abbott returned. This could be his chance to cement a spot in the Test team if picked.

#2 Marchant de Lange

de Lange is no stranger to the international scene

Another really quick bowler going around in the domestic circuit, de Lange is pretty familiar to the International scene after a dream debut against Sri Lanka in Tests in 2011 saw him pick up 7/81 in the first innings.

His short run up and high arm action generates pace that goes beyond the 150kmph mark and makes him a scary fast bowler. He had a decent first-class season in 2015-16 with 38 wickets in 7 matches, finishing as the third highest wicket-taker in the season among pace bowlers.

The prospect of having Rabada and de Lange on the same team, bowling at high pace is exciting. But it could come at a price as de Lange is known to get carried away with bounce on the wicket. However, he is a good bowler, who was possibly denied a fair run in the Test arena due to the emergence of Rabada and Abbott. This could be his time.

#1 Dwaine Pretorius

Pretorius’ ability with bat and ball makes him an extremely handy replacement

The lanky all-rounder is a widely known name in the domestic circuit now. His ability with the bat notwithstanding, he is a stump-to-stump pace bowler with ample patience and wicket taking ability.

Much akin to Philander, he bowls in the 120s to mid-130s range and relies on nip in the wicket. While he made his ODI debut in the series against Australia, he is yet to win a Test cap. Although having two similar kinds of seamers in a team may not make sense, considering they operate at medium speeds, Pretorius’ ability to break partnerships and contribute elegantly with the bat makes him a worthy candidate.

Moreover, he is fine form at present in the domestic First-Class competition with 4 half centuries in the last 5 games and a six-wicket haul as well. Pretorius could be handy in the absence of a proper all-rounder like Chris Morris.