South Africa vs England: Dale Steyn ruled out of fourth Test as opener Stiaan van Zyl is dropped

Dale Steyn will miss the final Test of South Africa's four-match series against England after failing to recover from injury. The Proteas paceman strained his shoulder during the 241-run defeat in Durban last month and subsequently missed the draw in Cape Town, as well as a disappointing series-clinching loss in Johannesburg.

In a news release, Cricket South Africa confirmed: "Dale Steyn has not recovered from a shoulder injury and will not be available for selection for the last Test, and all efforts will be made to have him ready for the Momentum One-Day International series starting at the end of the month."

In other team news, South Africa have dropped out-of-form opener Stiaan van Zyl. The 28-year-old, who previously batted lower down the order, has averaged just 13.80 in his last five innings and will now likely return to domestic action with the Cape Cobras for their 50-over meeting with the Sunfoil Dolphins at Kingsmead on 21 January.

Van Zyl's release would appear to clear the way for Stephen Cook to make his Test debut at the age of 33. The Highveld Lions batsman has scored 483 runs during the current Sunfoil Series, recording the highest average, 83. He was added to the squad yesterday (18 January) and looks set to partner Dean Elgar at the top of the order, while wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock faces a late fitness test on a knee injury that forced him to miss the third Test.

England, meanwhile, will be without the services of Steven Finn after the Middlesex seamer was ruled out of the rest of the tour with a side strain. Liam Plunkett has been named as his replacement for the limited-over matches and one of Chris Jordan, Chris Woakes or Mark Footitt will come into the Test side.

The fourth Test between South Africa and England is scheduled to get underway at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday 22 January. The tourists currently boast an unassailable 2-0 lead after Stuart Broad's heroic display that saw him claim six for 17 at New Wanderers Stadium. The two nations will also contest five ODI matches and two Twenty20 contests in February.