South Africa pace spearhead Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the remainder of the three-match Test series against Australia with a fractured right shoulder.
The 33-year-old sustained a recurrence of a shoulder injury during Australia's first innings of the ongoing opening Test at the WACA Ground in Perth.
It was in the 38th minute of the match when Steyn went down wincing in pain while holding his shoulder after bowling to Usman Khawaja, prompting the physio to immediately arrive on the scene.
Steyn had started Day Two on a bright note by dismissing David Warner for 97 before being forced to walk off the field.
The pacer were sent to a nearby hospital where scans revealed a fracture on his right shoulder.
Reflecting on Steyn's injury, South Africa's manager Mohammed Moosajee said that the pacer would now return home to consult with a specialist, and he might also require surgery.
"Dale pulled up while bowling shortly before lunch complaining of severe pain to his right shoulder. He was taken to the hospital for preliminary scans, which confirmed a new fracture of the bone in the shoulder joint. He will bat if absolutely necessary, but will play no further part in the match and series, and will return to South Africa to see a shoulder specialist who will advise on an appropriate plan of action," Mosajee was quoted, as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
"An injury of this nature is rare and will in all likelihood require surgery, but that will only be confirmed once we receive an opinion from the specialist," he added.
Injury-prone Steyn, who has taken 417 wickets in 85 Tests, had earlier got his shoulder injured while surfing last December and eventually missed the opportunity to represent his country in most matches against England. He has also been recovering from a groin strain.
South Africa, however, have not named any replacement for Steyn as yet.
The Faf du Plessis-led side are due to play two more Tests on the tour, including their maiden pink-ball Test in Adelaide from November 24.
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