Two days after returning from Dubai, where he was named the International Cricket Council's test player of the year, Steyn started developing severe headaches.

“It was so bad that I could hardly get out of bed,” he told supersport.co.za. “I also became terribly nauseous. Until now the doctors have not been able to determine exactly what the cause of the headaches is.

“I've lost four kilograms in the past month. I've also had a lumbar puncture to try and find out what's going on. I was in hospital for five days in Cape Town, where all sorts of tests were done on me.

“At least I'm feeling a bit better and I started ‘gymming’ again this past week. But bowling has been totally out of the question. I'm still feeling pretty run down.”

He added: “I don't think I'll be able to play in the two matches against Kenya, and will possibly be considered again only against Bangladesh.”

Fast bowler Steyn, has moved to Cape Town but who will still play for the Titans, said he hopes to be fit for the inaugural Champions League event early in December.