South African fast bowler Dale Steyn will need at least six months off bowling after undergoing surgery on his fractured right shoulder last week.
The 33-year-old suffered the injury early on day two of the first Test in Perth, and was immediately taken to hospital for scans.
Steyn returned to Cape Town before the first Test was up, and underwent surgery last Thursday.
The injury is quite rare among cricketers, which means that South Africa's team manager and chief medical officer Dr Mohammed Moosajee couldn't put a timeframe on how long the quick was spend away from the game.
“Dale had successful surgery on Thursday where the fracture in the right shoulder blade was fixated with the placement of a screw,” Dr Moosajee said in a statement released on Sunday.
“We expect a minimum six-month rehabilitation period before he can start any form of bowling.
“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.
“He will begin with his rehabilitation programme once the satisfactory bony healing has taken place; this is expected to be in a few weeks.
“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 Africa’s medical committee, which will give him the best opportunity to make a successful return to full fitness.
