South Africa dealt major blow ahead of 3rd Test vs India; Dale Steyn deemed unfit to play

South Africa pace spearhead Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the third Test against India in Nagpur after failing to sufficiently recover from a groin strain sustained during the opening Test.

The 31-year-old premium pacer experienced a tightness in his groin during the second day of the opening Test in Mohali and was ruled out of the second drawn Test in Bengaluru. Team captain Hashim Amla on Tuesday said that the right-hander was unlikely to take the field on Wednesday.

"Dale Steyn won't probably play in this Test match, I don't think his injury has recovered fully," said Amla on the eve of the Nagpur Test.

"Not having Dale in the team is a setback because not having the services of the best bowler in the world is never a nice thing," the captain added.

"But we've got to deal with it and, hopefully, the guys who play will get a chance to stand out," said Amla.

Earlier, pace bowler Vernon Philander was ruled out the remainder of the series with an ankle injury.

India are leading the four-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Mohali. The second Test in Bengaluru ended in a draw after rain washed out the last four days of the match.

-ANI