South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn will not take part in the opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between England and South Africa.

The Proteas paceman has been battling a shoulder injury and was declared unfit to play by coach Ottis Gibson.

“He is not quite ready yet,” Gibson said. “He is getting closer everyday; we hope that if not by Sunday [against Bangladesh] then by the India game [he will be fit].”

In Steyn’s absence, fellow seamers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi should be available for selection after playing in recent warm-up matches.

On the contrary, England have had positive injury news on the fitness of Eoin Morgan, Adil Rashid and Mark Wood, who are all available for Thursday’s clash.