Dale Steyn wants to win the World Cup for South Africa

Veteran South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has expressed wish to win a World Cup trophy for his country. The 35-year-old bowler has also said that making a comeback into the national side for the ODIs would remain his priority. The injury-prone bowler played his last ODI in October 2016, against Australia at home.

Steyn recently made a comeback into South Africa’s Test team in an away series against Sri Lanka though it did not turn out to be a perfect script. He took just two wickets in as many games and is currently tied with former South African captain Shaun Pollock as the highest wicket-taker for the Proteas in the longest format.

Would love to win a trophy for South Africa

“I would love to win a trophy for South Africa in white ball cricket. A number of cricketers who have played before me – Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher and Graeme Smith are legends of the game, but weren’t fortunate enough to win an ICC-sanctioned event during their playing careers. I might join those names, but hopefully I will still be around in 2019 to play in the next World Cup and have a crack at winning the trophy in the UK,” Steyn was quoted by Sport24.co.za as saying.

“However, I have got to earn my way back into the Proteas ODI team.”

Steyn, who started his international career in 2004, has 180 wickets in ODIs from 116 games at an average of 26.62. He has played two World Cups, in 2011 and 2015. In the latter edition, the Proteas led by AB de Villiers lost to New Zealand in the semi-finals.

The fast bowler praised the current breed of South African bowlers saying they were doing well and he himself would be happy to sit out and watch the youngsters deliver. The veteran bowler with 659 international wickets also asserted that he still has it in him to contribute for the national side.

“Our fast bowlers are doing quite well of late and, if they are in-form and performing, I don’t mind sitting aside and watching them shine. However, I still believe I can deliver the goods and hopefully I can represent my country for a couple more years.”

“Hopefully I can get some white-ball games this year and put my hand up for the spot in that World Cup team next year.” Steyn will quit white-ball cricket after the next World Cup.

The next World Cup is scheduled in England and Wales next year and the edition will see 10 teams playing against each other in a round-robin format for the title.

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