Dale Steyn undergoes successful shoulder surgery

South African pacer Dale Steyn, has undergone a successful shoulder surgery for the shoulder blade fracture he had suffered during South Africa’s first Test against Australia in Perth. The right arm fast bowler had to walk off the field on the second day of the opening Test at WACA which South Africa won by a thumping 177 runs margin.

“Dale had successful surgery on Thursday where the fracture in the right shoulder blade was fixated with the placement of a screw,” Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa’s team manager, confirmed on Sunday (November 12).

Steyn is expected to be away for at least sixth months for rehabilitation before he begins bowling again.

“It is crucial to give the injury enough time to heal and to make sure that he is completely pain-free before he starts bowling again,” Moosajee added. “He will begin with his rehabilitation programme once the satisfactory bony healing has taken place; this is excepted to be in a few weeks.”

Steyn broke his shoulder during the Boxing Day Test against England last year against England and was ruled out of the series. He returned to the national side for the ICC World T20 but was far from his best (he averaged 68 and had an economy rate of 11.33). His performances in the Indian Premier League and Caribbean Premier League were also way below his standards. He was rested from the South African squad for the triangular series played in the Caribbean, also involving Australia.

He played a crucial role in South Africa’s dominating show against Zimbabwe and was part of South Africa’s playing XI against Australia in the first Test. In the fourth ball of his 13th over, he experienced some pain in his shoulder and was taken off the attack. He didn’t return to bowl thereafter as South Africa won by 177 runs. Scans later revealed that Steyn had suffered a fracture.

“We are positive that he will make a successful return to international cricket. He will be provided with the best possible support and guidance led by our physiotherapist, Brandon Jackson, and Cricket South Africas medical committee, which will give him the best opportunity to make a successful return to full fitness,” Moosajee concluded.