Dale Steyn has been ruled out for the remainder of the India series and will be reassessed after four to six weeks. 

Cricket South Africa confirmed on Monday, during day four of the first Test, that Steyn saw an ankle specialist who ruled him out of the series.

The speedster has been placed in a moon boot and will be reassessed after four to six weeks, followed by a rehab programme once he is out of the moon boot.

Steyn, who returned to Test cricket after a lengthy shoulder injury layoff, injured his foot in the 18th over before tea on day two and limped off the field.

Despite the circumstances, Steyn walked out to the crease to bat on day four with South Africa on 130-9, but De Villiers failed to capitalise on the other end as the Proteas were skittled for 130.

Proteas team doctor Mohammed Moosajee broke the bad news at the press conference after the day’s play.

‘Steyn, unfortunately, landed awkwardly in a foot-hole and this caused tissue damage on the underside of the foot, in the heel area. He is unlikely to bowl in this Test match because the recovery period is around four to six weeks.

‘We will get one of the leading ankle surgeons, who is part of Cricket South Africa’s medical committee, to have a look at him tomorrow [Sunday] to give us an opinion.’

Moosajee said the injury was ‘freakish’ and is in no way related to his bowling load or not being match ready.

A replacement will be announced after play on day four.

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