Dale Steyn doubtful for Bangalore Test, Morne Morkel and JP Duminy regain match fitness

Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander on the sidelines of the Mohali Test

In what will be a major blow to South Africa’s fortunes in the ongoing 4-match Test series, Dale Steyn is still struggling with the groin injury he picked up in the 1st Test and will miss the Bangalore Test in all likelihood. He will have a fitness test on Thursday to determine whether he will have a part to play in the Test which starts on Saturday, as reported by ESPN Cricinfo.

In more positive developments for the Proteas, Both JP Duminy and Morne Morkel have recovered from their respective injuries and are eligible for selection in the playing XI. Duminy had the stitches removed from the cut on his right hand and will join training sessions soon.

Morkel is definitely available after recovering from a quad strain, and might be called upon to replace Steyn as the spearhead of the seam bowling attack.

With Duminy’s availability, either of Simon Harmer or Imran Tahir are likely to miss out on a spot in the XI for the Bangalore Test – with some firepower added to the batting strength as well.

India currently lead the series 1-0 on back of a thumping victory at Mohali, after a narrow defeat in the ODI series and a bigger defeat in the T20 series.

Steyn was unavailable for bowling duty on Day 3 with the groin strain he picked up, and his presence is something his team will continue to sorely miss as they try to level the series. In case both Steyn and Morkel are fit, they will form the pace bowling trio alongside Vernon Philander, with Kagiso Rabada having to miss out.

We are into the sixth week of a long 72-day tour, and the effects are starting to tell.

Temba Bavuma is the other player in the South Africa squad who has been unused as of now.

South Africa are also batting circumstance. No Morkel, no Duminy and now maybe no Steyn. It could be a long month in India.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 7, 2015