World Cup 2019: Du Plessis terms Steyn's absence 'a big loss'

Faf du Plessis on Wednesday said that they will be forced to make changes in their game plan as Steyn misses out

South Africa are set to begin their World Cup 2019 campaign against England on Thursday. They are charged up with a strong batting line-up but the only thing to worry about is Dale Steyn’s absence. Before getting into the tournament opener, skipper Faf du Plessis on Wednesday said that they will be forced to make changes in their game plan as not having Steyn will be a big loss. “He is a big loss to our team,” du Plessis told reporters. “He was probably about 60 per cent when the squad was picked so we anticipated for this to happen, but a fit Dale Steyn makes our bowling attack a very, very strong one. So tomorrow will be a little bit of chopping and changing,” he added.

Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis on going into Thursday's CWC opener without the services of Dale Steyn and how it impacts on the side's balance @Sport24news pic.twitter.com/yxoBkkbS3N

— Lloyd Burnard (@LloydBurnard) May 29, 2019

Du Plessis will lead his side out at The Oval against the world's top-ranked team, which is also chasing its maiden World Cup trophy. England have won 15 of their last 19 ODI series and are the team to beat on home soil. ‘Chokers’ is a tag South Africa have been used to at World Cups as they are also chasing their first trophy. “Whether you are favourites or not, you still have to play good cricket. They deservedly have the tag because they are the home nation and have consistently played good cricket,” said du Plessis. “But you will face such different opposition through this tournament so it is about making sure you stay focussed for the whole tournament. England are the favourites so if it means on the day there is less pressure on us then we can play freely,” he added.