Perth: South Africa pace bowler Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the remainder of the three-test series against Australia with a recurrence of a rare bone stress in his right shoulder.
Steyn, who was first diagnosed with the injury during last year's Boxing Day test match against England, will be out of the game for at least six months.
After the initial diagnosis, Steyn fully recovered through intense treatment and rest to return to international cricket.
"According to the literature Dale could be out for at least six months," South Africa team manager Dr. Mohammed Moosajee said Friday.
Moosajee said surgery is not guaranteed and Steyn will be assessed in Cape Town on arrival at the conclusion of the test match.
"It has to be said that it's an extremely rare injury," Moosajee said. "Amongst cricketers there is only one other documented case of such boney stress reaction."
Steyn had complained of stiffness in the front of the shoulder during the tour opener in Adelaide but scans cleared him of any injury.
"Dale said he felt something thud or pop, and he immediately left the field," Moosajee said.
Steyn walked off the field in pain holding his right shoulder before the lunch interval, shortly after dismissing David Warner to break up Australia's 158-run opening stand.
The 33-year-old fast bowler went to a nearby hospital for scans, and was diagnosed with "a fracture of the coracoid process of the right shoulder."
Steyn, an 85-test veteran, has taken 417 test wickets, four short of overhauling Shaun Pollock (421 in 108) for the South African record.
Moosajee said Steyn would bat if required in the second innings in Perth, but would take no further part in the series.
"He ... will return to South Africa to see a shoulder specialist who will advise on an appropriate plan of action," Moosajee said. "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."
No decision has been made as to whether a replacement will be called up for the second and third tests in Hobart and Adelaide.