The scan on Dale Steyn’s shoulder came back ‘inconclusive’ and South Africa are hopeful he will be able to bowl again in the Kingsmead Test.

The scan revealed no tear to the muscles or ligaments around his right shoulder, says team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee.

Steyn took 4-70 in England’s first innings and his unavailability would be a big blow to South Africa.

Steyn experienced discomfort on the first day of the match. He left the field after bowling 3.2 overs in the second innings but was not taken for a scan immediately. Instead, with a view to not being penalised for being off the field, Steyn stayed on the park and then bowled three more balls, only to go off again in the 21st over.

He was taken for the scan but returned to field after arriving back from the hospital. He threw underarm and with his left arm for the rest of the day. He will test his ability to bowl in the warm-ups on the fourth morning before a firm decision is made over any further participation in this match.

‘Dale first experienced discomfort in his right shoulder after day one, which was probably because of a long lay-off and great deal of bowling load on the first day,’ Moosajee said.

‘He woke up sore on the second day but got through the first innings but then in the second innings, the pain became increasingly troublesome, so he had to leave the field.

‘The scan is inconclusive in that it showed no tears to muscles or ligaments so we are treating it as shoulder stiffness. If he gets through warm-ups, he will be allowed to bowl tomorrow and then we will make a call on his availability for the Cape Town Test after this match.’