South African paceman Dale Steyn has been ruled out of Thursday's World Cup opener against England, with the Proteas coach Ottis Gibson saying the pace great is "getting closer" to full recovery from a shoulder injury.

Gibson's words left no doubts that the 35-year-old, South Africa's highest wicket-taker in Tests, has still not gained match fitness. He had sustained the shoulder injury during his short stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL).