Steyn given extended time-off to recover from rib fracture sustained during 2nd India Test

South African bowler Dale Steyn has reportedly been given an extended period of rest to recover from a small undisplaced fracture to his right eighth rib sustained during the second Test against India in Durban.

Steyn will no longer be available for the current domestic Ram Slam T20 competition as the recovery period will be between three to four weeks, although it should have no effect on his availability for the inbound tour against Australia starting on February 12.

According to Sport24, team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee explained that Steyn dived while fielding a ball on the second Test opener against India in Durban and complained of slight pain of his right anterior chest region, adding that he continued playing and bowling with mild discomfort for the rest of the Test.

Moosajee further said that when the discomfort persisted after the Test match, a scan was performed which detected a small undisplaced fracture to his right 8th rib, following which, Steyn will follow a strict rest and rehabilitation programme for the next three to four weeks.

Moosajee also said that they are confident that Steyn will be fit for the series against Australia.