DALE STEYN has failed his race to be fit for the start of the Cricket World Cup and will not face England on Thursday, it has been confirmed.
The veteran fast bowler has failed to appear in any of his country's warm-up matches since landing on British soil for the tournament.
And his continued struggles with a shoulder injury have ruled him out of the World Cup opener at The Oval.
South Africa coach Ottis Gibson told a press conference on Tuesday: "He is not fully ready yet and we feel that in a six-week tournament there is no need to press the issue right now."
The news comes after Steyn participated in the day's training session without bowling.
The 35-year-old once again picked up a shoulder complaint while playing in the Indian Premier League a few weeks ago.
Back in 2016, he required surgery after he broke a bone in his shoulder while facing Australia in a test series.
South Africa were prepared for Steyn's absence and will go at England with Chris Morris and Dwaine Pretorius leading their bowling attack.
The hosts go into the game as big favourites despite their opponents' ability, thanks to a sterling 4-0 ODI series win over Pakistan that kept them atop the ICC world rankings.
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