Dale Steyn makes a comeback as South Africa announce squad for T20I series against England

In the pursuit of resurgence post the turmoil that Cricket South Africa has gone through in recent times, the Proteas are set to lock horns with England in a three-match T20I series starting from February 12. Newly-appointed ODI skipper Quinton de Kock has been named the captain for T20I series too. The Proteas are scheduled to encounter England in three T20Is on 12 February (East London), 14 February (Durban) and 16 February (Centurion Park).

One notable inclusion in the squad is the highly-experienced Dale Steyn, who will mark his return to the international stage after being sidelined for almost over a year. The 36-year-old, who retired from Test cricket as South Africa’s highest wicket-taker, is all set to don the Proteas jersey against England. The veteran has also set his eyes to feature in the South African squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Dale Steyn’s last T20I endeavour was against Sri Lanka

The speedster last played in a T20I match for South Africa in March last year against Sri Lanka at home. After being not picked in the ODI series against England, Steyn will finally mark his return in International cricket. He was recently seen plying his trade for Melbourne Stars in Big Bash League 2019-20.

Steyn has 61 scalps in 44 T20Is including two four-wicket hauls. Steyn will be partnering with Lungi Ngidi to steer the Proteas’ pace battery. Cricket South Africa, in a string of tweets, announced their T20I squad on Twitter.

Included in the team is the experienced Dale Steyn, who returns to international cricket after nearly a year’s absence, Sisanda Magala and Pite van Biljon. Faf du Plessis & Kagiso Rabada's rest period has been extended, they were not considered for selection. #ProteasT20Squad pic.twitter.com/hEQ2DnAqvo

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 8, 2020

Along with skipper De Kock, the South African batting attack will be bolstered by the likes of Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller. Tabraiz Shamsi, who exhibited strong performance in the first ODI against England, will be heading the spin department in T20Is.

Meanwhile, two South African stalwarts — Faf du Plessis & Kagiso Rabada failed to make into the squad as their rest period has been extended. After flagging off three-match ODI series by decimating Three Lions in the first match, South Africa will be aiming to deliver a robust performance in the shorter format too.

Proteas T20 squad: Q de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, T Bavuma, R van der Dussen, D Miller, P van Biljon, D Pretorius, A Phehlukwayo, JJ Smuts, B Hendricks, T Shamsi, L Ngidi, S Magala, B Fortuin, D Steyn, H Klaasen.

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