Steyn a big loss for South Africa, says Du Plessis

FILE PHOTO: Cricket - South Africa v Pakistan - Second Test - PPC Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa - January 3, 2019 South Africa's Dale Steyn celebrates taking the wicket of Pakistan's Mohammad Abbas REUTERS/Mike Hutchings

LONDON (Reuters) - The absence of experienced pace bowler Dale Steyn is a blow for South Africa ahead of Thursday's Cricket World Cup opener against England at The Oval, captain Faf du Plessis said on Wednesday.

Steyn has spent more than a month on the sidelines and was ruled out on Tuesday, though South Africa hope he will be fit to face India on June 5.