Speedster Steyn likely to miss rest of test vs. India

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) – South Africa’s hopes of salvaging the first test against India suffered a blow on Friday as fast bowler Dale Steyn is expected to miss the rest of the match in Mohali with a groin strain.

“Dale Steyn is unlikely to play any further part in the match as a bowler, after sustaining a groin strain while fielding on Thursday,” Cricket South Africa said in a statement.

Without their main strike bowler, South Africa who were 17 runs behind after the first innings, saw India take a firm hold on the match. The hosts are 142 runs ahead after the second day’s play.

Steyn’s absence left Vernon Philander as the main strike bowler along with 20-year debutant Kagiso Rabada, backed up by three spinners.

(Reporting by Mark Gleeson, editing by Pritha Sarkar)