Steyn hoping county cricket stint helps in return to Proteas
Dale Steyn will enjoy a stint of county cricket at Hampshire this winter, as he looks to finally get back into the South African Test team.
“Obviously the Proteas won’t play for a while, so I will have a stint over there with Hampshire,” Steyn told Supersport presenters before the start of play.
The veteran paceman was a surprise figure in the South African warm-up on the third morning, as he continues his long road back from his injuries.
There had been hope that Steyn would get fit in time for the second half of the series against Australia, but that fell out of the window when he couldn’t turn out for the Titans in the latter stages of the Sunfoil Series.
Instead, he has been a most interested spectator, cheering on his teammates – and great friend Morne Morkel, in particular. Steyn was at Newlands to see Morkel reach 300 Test scalps, and he marked the occasion by donning the beanpole’s ODI jersey, and cradling his son.
“You want to play every game, but you really want to play against Australia! It has been tough watching on the side, but it has also shown me another side to the game,” Steyn said philosophically.
The 34 year-old said his body was much stronger now, and that a return to action was imminent.
“I could probably bowl 12-15 overs a day, but that is nowhere near the intensity required for a Test match.”
Steyn still has ambitions at the highest level, and it is no secret that he would love to reach 100 Test appearances, a sure sign of longevity in the ultimate format of the game.Currently, Steyn sits on 86 Test caps, with 419 wickets.
South Africa’s next Test assignment will be in July, when they tour Sri Lanka.
IOL Sport