Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the Melbourne Stars’ Big Bash League fixture against the Brisbane Heat this week.

Steyn is nursing a side strain sustained during the recent Mzansi Super League. He played for the Cape Town Blitz and was the 2019 MSL’s third-highest wicket-taker, with 15 in eight matches.

‘Our priority is Dale’s fitness and continuing his treatment,’ said Melbourne Stars physiotherapist Tommy Simsek. ‘He is very keen to play, but we’ll let him rest after a long flight to Australia and put him in the best position.’

Steyn retired from Test cricket earlier this year, but remains available for ODI and T20I selection.

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Three other South Africans are playing in the 2019-20 BBL. Batsman David Miller and all-rounder Chris Morris have been recruited by the Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder, respectively. Former Proteas captain AB de Villiers will join the Heat early next year.

Steyn and Morris, meanwhile, are among several South Africans registered for Thursday’s Indian Premier League auction.

Steyn’s auction base price is R4 million, while Morris and seamer Kyle Abbott have been registered at a minimum R2.5m each.

Fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who was recruited by the Kolkata Knight Riders last year but did not play due to injury, and left-armer Beuran Hendricks, who was a late addition to the Mumbai Indians squad in 2019, have been listed at a minimum of R1m each.

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