South Africa star Dale Steyn has confirmed he won't be fit for the third Test against Australia, with the paceman still restricted by a troublesome heel injury.
Steyn, who is just three wickets away from becoming the country's most prolific Test bowler, has not played since hurting himself during a Test against India in Cape Town in January.
The veteran was expected to return in a four-day domestic game this weekend ahead of the Test that starts at Newlands on Thursday.
But Steyn has confirmed that won't happen, with the 34-year-old now targeting a return in the fourth Test, which starts on March 30 in Johannesburg.
"People are saying it is so disappointing that you can't play the four-day game but what would be worse is playing the game and walking off with another injury," Steyn told Independent Media.
"That speaks for the Test matches too. I can't imagine another Test where I need to walk off halfway because my foot is just a little bruised.
"I can't let my teammates down, or my country for that matter. It has happened a couple of times now. We are pushing for that fourth Test.
"The problem as a fast bowler is I need to land on that front foot of mine. Putting eight or nine times my body weight on that front foot... it can only handle so much."
It means Morne Morkel is likely to take Kagiso Rabada's place in the hosts' XI, unless the express paceman successfully overturns his two-Test ban at Monday's hearing.
"He is 22. We all make stupid mistakes when we're 22," Steyn said of Rabada.
"Maybe this needed to happen for him to learn a bit quicker.
"I did stupid things when I was younger. I spat in the direction of Sulieman Benn. I haven't done anything since. We all make these mistakes."
The series is currently level at 1-1.
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