South Africa have got a huge blow as their leading pacer, Dale Steyn, might miss the opening game of ICC Champions Trophy 2013 which is to be played against India on Thursday. They will miss the services of Steyn because of a side strain injury which hit him during a warm-up game against Pakistan at The Oval on Monday.
Skipper of South African team, AB De Villiers, was quoted by Hindustan Times saying, “He is not looking good at all. We will reassess tonight and again tomorrow morning and it's still touch and go. It's not only one game and won't like to risk him."
He added, “We have the experience and the energy to do our best. Against India, we will come out hard. Both the teams know the strengths and weaknesses of each other very well and the team who will win the crucial moments in this match will surely take an upper-hand."
He expressed that the first 10-15 overs are going to be a crucial period as it might allow his bowlers to run through the strong Indian top-order. He was quoted by Indian Express saying, “There was enough intelligence on the capability of every Indian player. We know a lot of about each player in their camp and we surely have our plans for them.”
De Villiers was quoted by DNA saying, "It's not about individuals. We have to play as a team and we are a set one and I am very happy with the combination we have."
He added, “Kallis can never be replaced but there is lot of energy in this young team and we have a fair bit of experience in (Hashim) Amla, (JP) Duminy, (Morne) Morkel and me. I surely like to take the trophy back home," De Villiers said.