South Africa speedster Dale Steyn set to make international comeback with T20 World Cup in mind

Former South Africa Test bowler Dale Steyn is still playing limited-overs cricket and keeping in mind the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year, the 36-year-old is eyeing a return to international cricket next month when the Proteas take on England in white-ball series next month.

Steyn, South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in Tests, has been hit by injuries of late and quit the long format last year to continue playing the shorter formats. He is currently playing in the Big Bash League Down Under where he is representing Melbourne Stars.

SA are currently playing England in a four-Test series and the two teams will lock horns over a three-ODI series starting February 4. The three-T20I series kicks off on February 12. Speaking to cricket.com.au, Steyn said he will be part of the T20I squad against England as per the latest talks. “I get a nice two-week break, then straight into it again. I’ll be around for the ODIs to be honest, I don’t know how much I’ll play (the ODIs) I’ll be there for that and then definitely the T20s,” he added.

Steyn has 439 wickets in 93 Tests, 196 wickets in 125 ODIs and 61 wickets in 44 T20Is. However, his last appearance in the ODIs and T20Is was in March last year. He missed the South African campaign at the ICC World Cup because of injury.

Dale Steyn has been struggling with injuries lately

Steyn, however, is looking forward to the T20 World Cup which will be his last if he manages to play. Set to turn 37 in June, Steyn said: “That (T20 World Cup) is very much on my agenda. I’m starting to enjoy my cricket a lot more now, I think four overs is a lot easier on the body than the Test matches are.”

Ever since his career-threatening shoulder injury in 2016, Steyn has played in just eight Tests, nine ODIs and two T20Is. The current Proteas pace attack is young and inexperienced and Steyn feels he can be a good fit with all his experience.

“KG (Kagiso Rabada) is very young to lead the attack at 24, and the next bowlers to come in are all younger than him, I think he needs somebody that’s there that is experienced, to look around and he knows he’s not only one there,” he said.

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