Dale Steyn did come out to bat but the speedster did not come out to bowl in India's second innings © AFP (File Photo)
Dale Steyn did come out to bat but the speedster did not come out to bowl in India’s second innings © AFP (File Photo)

Mohali: With the opening cricket Test delicately poised after two days of intense action, South Africa have suffered a big blow as pace spearhead Dale Steyn is unlikely to take field due to a groin strain. Steyn, who stretched his groin while fielding on Day 1, did come out to bat but the speedster did not come out to bowl in India‘s second innings. South Africa’s spin coach Claude Henderson said the pacer is in discomfort and unlikely to bowl as a precautionary measure. “I think he is struggling. I think he has got a groin strain and I can’t see him bowling tomorrow,” said Henderson. Scorecard: India vs South Africa, 1st Test at Mohali

Even Cricket South Africa had tweeted about Steyn s groin problem before the hosts came out to bat in their second essay. “Dale Steyn is off the field due to a tight right groin. He is unlikely to take the field today as a precaution,” CSA wrote on its twitter handle. The Hashim Amla-led side missed their premier bowler dearly as India took their lead to 142 at stumps.

Earlier, South African batsmen may have criticised the pitch on offer during the ongoing first cricket Test at the PCA Stadium, but the visiting team spin coach Claude Henderson said he also would have preferred a turning track had he been part of the Indian team management. The turning Mohali wicket has been under the spotlight with Proteas opener Dean Elgar calling it a bad cricket wicket, but Henderson said that the visitors expected this kind of tactic from the hosts.