Cape Town - The Proteas will be without fast bowler Dale Steyn and possibly also Morné Morkel for the first one-day international against Pakistan in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

According to the Volksblad website, Steyn is visiting his actress girlfriend, Jeanne Kietzmann, in Los Angeles, America. He will only be back for next Friday's second game at Centurion.

Morkel is still struggling with a hamstring injury and could miss the first game of the five-match series.

Kyle Abbott, who recently made his Test and T20 debuts against Pakistan, will make his ODI debut should Morkel fail to be fit in time for Sunday's clash.

Morkel underwent fitness tests with team physiotherapist Brandon Jackson on Thursday and did not train with the rest of the squad.

Meanwhile, coach Gary Kirsten said the squad is entering an important period of play over the next few weeks, as they only have six matches left before their opening fixture against India at the ICC Champions Trophy in Britain in June.

“We have 20 games on the trot before we play another Test match so we are able to have a good focus on our one-day team,” said Kirsten.

“This is an important period for the ODI team; I think what is important for us is that we know that we can create some momentum in this team.

“We know that with the players that we have got we are able to win games in difficult situations and that is what it ultimately boils down to. We are all looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead in the next six months or so.”

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