Breaking Down South Africa's Back-Up Options for Faltering Dale Steyn

South African cricket has spent the last 18 months or so "at the end of an era." They have lost Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith—two of the greatest ever players to play for the country—and they have had to contend with Dale Steyn heading into the twilight of his career.

For so long, South Africa have known life with Steyn as their mainstay. The 32-year-old has never really struggled with persistent injuries, and he has always been at the top of his game.

For years, Steyn was the No. 1-ranked bowler in the world, but after the seven-wicket loss to England at the weekend, he lost that ranking to Stuart Broad.

Whether you believe in rankings or not hardly matters because statistically, Broad has been one of the best bowlers in Tests since 2011.

The Englishman has 231 wickets at an average of 25.67 and an economy rate of 2.98 in 56 Tests. That certainly doesn’t mean Steyn has lost the plot. The South African pace ace has played fewer Tests in the same time period (37) and taken fewer wickets (174) but has a lower average (21.50).

What South Africa are increasingly coming to accept is that Steyn might not have a very long Test career left, but the good news is that there are bowlers ready to step into his shoes.

One of those has already made his mark on world cricket. The young Kagiso Rabada claimed his first Test cricket at the Wanderers over the weekend. The youngster first caught the headlines when he dismantled Australia in the Under-19 World Cup, taking six for 25 in the semi-final to help South Africa seal their spot in the final.

The 20-year-old is a rare talent who has real pace and control, and while he is still very young, he certainly has a long career ahead of him. But South Africa should exercise caution with him. Rabada suffers from scoliosis which could, if he is over bowled, result in injuries and might cut short his career.

Then there is Kyle Abbott. Although by no means young in fast-bowler terms—he turns 29 this year—he has played just six Tests. Like Rabada, Abbott has pace but can swing the ball in the right conditions. He also has the ability to play more of a holding role rather than play as strike bowler. This versatility will go a long way in ensuring Abbott has a successful career in the next few years.

Then there is Hardus Viljoen. The Lions paceman made his South African debut at the Wanderers on the back of two ten-fors in the domestic game, but he needs a lot of work.

The 26-year-old has pace—he clocked just over 100 mph during a limited-overs match recently—but it is his control that is problematic. That much was evident during South Africa’s Test against England, but that should not mean his future prospects are discounted.

Behind the scenes, South Africa’s High Performance Centre, which is headed up by former bowling coach Vincent Barnes, deals with helping players make the transition from domestic to first-class cricket.

A-team tours are arranged and technical analysis is dissected to ensure that players are at the top of their game at all times. There is also the option of a stint in county cricket, something which will be immensely beneficial to the likes of Viljoen and Rabada. With South Africa’s cricketing schedule so bare this year, allowing these two to refine their skills overseas is a must.

Domestically, though, South Africa's options are looking pretty limited in the four-day competition this season, which is why it’s even more important to nurture the three rookies who have had a taste of Tests already.

All information obtained firsthand unless otherwise stated.