South Africa refuse to put date on Steyn comeback

South Africa seamer Dale Steyn

Cricket South Africa (CSA) is reluctant to put a definitive timescale on the return of Dale Steyn from a serious shoulder injury.

Steyn has been out of action since suffering a broken bone in the first Test against Australia in Perth last November and was not considered for ICC Champions Trophy selection.

On Sunday, the prolific seamer ruled himself out of the tour to England, with South Africa set to take on their hosts in four Tests beginning in early July.

Instead, Steyn pointed to the home series against Bangladesh, starting in September, as a target for his return, but CSA team manager Mohammed Moosajee was quick to urge caution.

Good luck to the boys as they leave for the U.K. today.
I'll definitely be watching and backing you guys all the way.#ProteaFire 

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) May 16, 2017

"Dale's surgery was a resounding success and the bone has healed," he said upon South Africa's departure for England, in quotes reported by ESPNCricinfo.

"The challenge is to get the shoulder stabilised and strengthened, and that's why there is a bit of delay with getting him on the park again.

"What the medical committee has decided is that we are not going to set an artificial deadline or timeline as to when he is going to be playing.

"We will wait for when he is ready. We are hopeful he will be ready some time during the home series."