Cricket South Africa acting director of cricket Corrie van Zyl has explained fast bowler Dale Steyn’s absence from the Proteas squad for September’s T20I series against India.

Steyn retired from Test cricket earlier this month, but remained available for ODI and T20I selection. However, he was not selected for next month’s three T20Is in Dharamsala, Mohali and Bengaluru.

‘Steyn is not yet medically ready and our information makes that very clear,’ Van Zyl told Sport24.

The 36-year-old Steyn was sidelined from the 2019 World Cup due to a shoulder injury sustained during a stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

Van Zyl, meanwhile, confirmed batsman Theunis de Bruyn and all-rounder Vernon Philander are recovering from respective back and hamstring injuries. De Bruyn and Philander have been included in the squad for October’s three Tests against India.

‘Both are on track, but they will have to play one match before the tour to prove that they are fully fit,’ he added.

The tourists will be without former head coach Ottis Gibson for the tour. His contract was not renewed and interim team director Enoch Nkwe has since been appointed. Batsman Faf du Plessis will continue to captain the Test XI. He has, however, been replaced by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock as T20I captain.

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