A hamstring injury forced South African cricketer Dale Steyn out of his side's line-up for the first Test match against England in Port Elizabeth today.

The fast bowler failed to recover in time from the injury to take his place in the XI, whereas Jacques Kallis overcame a cracked rib to take part.

However, the all-rounder will only be able to play as a batsman because of the difficulty that had threatened to prevent him taking part.

Steyn was replaced with debutant Friedel de Wet, with captain Graeme Smith commenting: "It's disappointing to lose someone of Dale's calibre, but it's a massive opportunity for Friedel."

The bowler is currently placed No.1 in the world in the International Cricket Council rankings for Test players.

Sufferers from muscle strains and pulls may find ultrasound treatment helps to deal with the problem.

One man who overcame such an injury to play was England spinner Graeme Swann, who had been struggling with his side.