Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the remainder of the first Test against India at Newlands and most likely the series.
It had been a near-perfect comeback for Steyn, who returned to Test cricket after a lengthy shoulder injury layoff.
He took his first wicket after tea on day one and another on day two.
Then, with figures of 2-51, he limped off the field three balls into his 18th over.
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Proteas team doctor Mohammed Moosajee says Steyn’s bruised foot is much more serious than he first thought.
‘Steyn, unfortunately, landed awkwardly in a foot-hole and this caused tissue damage on the underside of the foot, in the heel area. He is unlikely to bowl in this Test match because the recovery period is around four to six weeks.
‘We will get one of the leading ankle surgeons, who is part of Cricket South Africa’s medical committee, to have a look at him tomorrow [Sunday] to give us an opinion.’
Mosajee said the injury was ‘freakish’ and in no way related to his bowling load or not being match ready.
South Africa still managed to skittle India out after the tea break for 209, with Morne Morkel dismissing Bhuvneshwar Kumar on 25 and Kagiso Rabada finishing with 3-34, which included the crucial scalp of Hardik Pandya (93 off 95 balls).
BREAKING: @DaleSteyn62 won’t bowl again in the Test and is in doubt for the rest of the series.#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/hn9GUHHixU
— SA Cricket magazine (@SACricketmag) January 6, 2018
Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix