Du Plessis, Steyn doubtful for SA opener

Published March 21, 2014
Dale Steyn
Dale Steyn
Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis

DHAKA: South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and pace spearhead Dale Steyn are nursing hamstring injuries and are doubtful for their World Twenty20 opener against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

Both players skipped Wednesday’s final warm-up game against Pakistan and a final decision on their availability would be taken on Saturday afternoon before the match, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said on their website.

“Steyn has been assessed as having mildly aggravated his previous hamstring strain sustained during the Test match against Australia two weeks ago,” the statement said.

“He will continue to receive treatment from the physiotherapist to give him the best chance of recovery for the opening match.

“Du Plessis remains a 50-50 chance for the opening match following his hamstring strain. The medical team is cautious of rushing him too soon because of the explosive nature of T20 cricket and the back-to-back schedule of fixtures.

“He will continue to receive extensive treatment and rehab to give him the best chance of regaining full fitness for the opening match.”

If du Plessis fails to regain fitness, A.B. de Villiers is likely to lead the team.

The Proteas travel to Chittagong on Thursday afternoon and will have a final net session on Friday.

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