CSA not sure about Dale Steyn's comeback date

South Africa premium fast-bowler Dale Steyn may not have the same pace as he used to have earlier, but he still is an important member of the South African cricket team. Hence when Steyn confirmed he will not be able to feature in te roster of South Africa A in England as preparation for the Test series, it was a setback for Cricket South Africa (CSA). Steyn said he will target a county contract in England and will be looking forward to the home series against Bangladesh in September-October as the window for a national team comeback. Steyn is recovering from a shoulder injury at the moment.

CSA is however not expecting a quick recovery. “Dale’s surgery was a resounding success and he bone has healed. The challenge is to get the shoulder stabilized and strengthened, and that’s why there is a bit of delay with getting him on the park again.” said Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa’s team manager who is also a doctor, at the team’s departure for England on Tuesday.

“What the medical committee has decided is that we are not going to set an artificial deadline or timeline as to when he is going to be playing. We will wait for when he is ready. We are hopeful he will be ready sometime during the home series.”  added Moosajee. South Africa will play ten tests in home soil this year. They will play two against Bangladesh, four against Aussies, and four against India. But the South Africa-India series has not been confirmed yet.

Steyn has been a legendary bowler for South Africa and is only five wickets away from overtaking Shaun Pollock as South Africa’s leading wicket-taker. Besides Dale, CSA is also concerned about their premium batsman Faf du Plessis. Though Steyn will miss ICC Champions Trophy 2017, Faf’s name has been included in the squad for the Champions Trophy. He will be assessed once the Proteas’ arrive in England. “There is a plan in place to have him ready for the first ODI but we are not sure of the warm-up games yet.”

Faf and AB expecting babies

Both Faf and skipper AB de Villiers are expecting little ones. While it will be the second for AB, Faf will be the father for the first time. Imari, his wife, is 32-years pregnant. “I would like to be there for the birth of my first child so hopefully the timing works well,” said a joyous Faf.

South Africa have a well-balanced side and are one of the favorites to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. They are placed in Group B alongside defending champions India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.