South Africa’s premier fast bowler, Dale Steyn, is likely to feature in the ‘A’ squad that will play against the England Lions across three 50-over matches as well as a four-day unofficial Test match.
The 33-year-old fast bowler is rehabilitating from a shoulder injury and sounded optimistic about his fitness. “My rehab is going well. I have done beep training for a month or so. I am running fit. Planning to go on South Africa A-trip in June,” Steyn told SuperSport on Saturday (April 15).
“Hopefully (I can run in full throttle at 145kmph). I feel good. The shoulder rehabilitation has been good. It feels stronger every week.”
Steyn, a veteran of 26 five-wicket hauls, if fit, will be pitted against James Anderson in the opposition ranks, with both the bowlers in the twilight of their careers. When asked about the prospect, Steyn dismissed it altogether, saying, “I am not interested in that. I just want to play again.”
When Steyn last toured England in 2012, he picked 15 wickets at an average of 29.20, and sounded hopeful for this time around too. “The Duke ball swings. It gives me a chance.”
Speaking on what the next eighteen months could have in store for him, Steyn expressed his desire to just play cricket.
“I want to play cricket for South Africa. I am nearly ready.”
South Africa will play three One-Day Internationals starting May 24 in England, where the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy will be hosted from June 1.
The ODI series, which kick-starts the latest South Africa tour of England, will be preceded by two warm-up one-day games against Sussex and Northants, and will be followed by three Twenty20 Internationals and four Test matches, with the Champions Trophy sandwiched between the two limited-overs leg.
Cricket South Africa will announce the squads for the ODI tour and the ‘A’ tour to England and Wales on Wednesday (April 19).
