The 35-year-old is still recovering from a shoulder injury which led to him being withdrawn from the Indian Premier League earlier in the year.

The Phalaborwa Express will miss the match against the English at the Oval in London on Thursday, while is it still doubtful whether or not he will play against Bangladesh on Sunday at the same venue.

Steyn may only be fit enough for the match against India on 5 June at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

The coach, Ottis Gibson, says that with it being a six-week tournament it is best not to rush the return of Steyn.

“He’s not quite ready yet, he is not far away, but not quite there yet.

“We think with a six-week tournament, there is no real need to force the issue.

“We know that he is close and he is getting closer every day. We will give him as much time as we can to get him ready.”

Thursday’s big match between England and South Africa at the Oval gets underway at 11:30.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport