The much-awaited return of the South African Dale Steyn has delayed once again as the pacer has been ruled out of the third Test of the four-match series against Australia after failing to completely recover from a heel injury.

Steyn was considered to fill in for Kagiso Rabada in the remaining matches of the Test series following the two-match suspension for breaching ICC Code of Conduct to the young gun. However, Steyn failed to gain 100 % fitness to step into the void left by the 22-year-old for the third Test.

Currently, Steyn is continuously recovering from a heel injury and will be only considered for the fourth and the final Test at the Wanderers on March 30 (Friday).

Meanwhile, South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis is not aware of Steyn's state but hoping to see him in the final encounter with the Kangaroos.

According to a report in Cricbuzz, du Plessis said, “I'm not 100% sure where Dale is. From my understanding, he would have needed to play a game this week, which he didn't, which would probably set him back for the third Test, I would assume.”

He signed off by saying, “Our plan for him was to play a game. But I would be praying extra hard that he would be ready for that third Test to make sure we can have him available if he (is fit). On the spot now, I would assume probably on the fourth Test.”

South Africa managed to level the four-Test series 1-1 by winning the second Test by 6-wickets on Monday with the must-win third Test is scheduled to be held on 22 March in Cape Town.

Amidst all the controversy surrounding players from both teams, Australia and South Africa have won a Test match a piece leaving the last two with a lot of expectations from both sides. With the amount of controversy that has clouded over the Test series so far, one expects only cricket to do the talking in the last two games.