Steyn set to sit out Kenya series

Dale Steyn is still suffering the effects of the illness which confirmed him to bed

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South Africa pace bowler Dale Steyn is likely to miss the two-match one-day series against Kenya at the end of the month because of a mystery illness.

Steyn was bed-ridden for the best part of a month after returning from Dubai, where he was named the International Cricket Council Test Cricketer of the Year on September 10.

The 25-year-old revealed he has since been suffering from severe headaches, with doctors unable to diagnose his illness.

“It was so bad that I could hardly get out of bed,” he said. “I also became terribly nauseous. Until now the doctors have not been able to determine exactly what the cause of the headaches is.

“I've lost four kilograms in the past month. I was in hospital for five days in Cape Town, where all sorts of tests were done on me. I've also had a lumbar puncture to try and find out what's going on.”

While Steyn revealed he had done some light training in the past few days, he indicated he does not expect to appear against Kenya, and has doubts over whether he will be fit for Bangladesh’s tour next month.

“At least I'm feeling a bit better and I started ‘gymming’ again this past week,” he said. “But bowling has been totally out of the question. I'm still feeling pretty run down.

“I don't think I'll be able to play in the two matches against Kenya, and will possibly be considered again only against Bangladesh,” he told Beeld newspaper.