The South African batsmen might be struggling in the Sunfoil Series, but at least it looks like Dale Steyn will be fit for the Boxing Day Test.

The Proteas got a major boost for the coming series after Steyn came through a fitness test at Newlands on Thursday. He picked up a groin injury on the tour to India but his recovery seems to be on track in time to face England on the 26 December.

Steyn bowled in the nets, sprinted at full pace and also had to do some fielding drills.

‘We were asked to conduct a fitness test on Dale by Cricket South Africa,’ Cape Cobras physiotherapist Shane Jabaar said.

‘Steyn was required to bowl, field, sprint and also perform a clinical test. He passed all the tests, but I am sure he will undergo further testing when he joins up with the Proteas next week.’

South Africa will desperately want Steyn to be 100% fit for England since they will already be without Vernon Philander for the first two Tests, in Durban and Cape Town.