Dale Steyn will not be considered for the fourth Test against England at The Oval owing to his broken thumb. South Africa have already wrapped up the four-Test series 2-0, so the management have decided not to risk him in the dead rubber which starts on Thursday.

Steyn sustained the fracture in the field during the second Test at Headingley - where he took seven wickets in the match - and so missed the series clincher at Edgbaston, with fellow strike bowler Andre Nel covering for him. Nel seized his chance by taking three wickets in England's first innings and so there would have been some tricky selection decisions for The Oval if Steyn had been fit. Now, though, South Africa are likely to retain their series-winning line-up.

South Africa said that they hope to have Steyn back for the limited-overs segment of the tour, which comprises a Twenty20 and five one-dayers, saying that he was "on track" to participate in those matches.