With the Test series against Bangladesh just a few weeks away, Dale Steyn is all set to play for Titans in the first round of first-class fixtures starting next Tuesday (September 19) to press his claim for a place in the team.
The 34-year old, who is just five wickets short of beating Shaun Pollock’s record for most Test wickets for the Proteas, has not played since injuring his shoulder during the Test series in Australia late last year. Steyn was expected to return to action during the series in England for South Africa A a couple of months ago, but his spell on the sidelines was extended after he withdrew from the two four-day games series as his recovery from surgery took longer than expected.
Last month, the pacer had stated that the long wait to return to action was over as he posted an image of himself on Instagram with the caption: “The wait is over.”
If Steyn returns to action, he will not only play Tests if he, he will also feature in other formats. The right-arm pacer has also been bought by the Cape Town Knight Riders franchise in the Global T20 League which kick-starts in November.
Meanwhile, Steyn will have to do well in the upcoming domestic game to make an impression. Linda Zondi, the selection convener, has made it clear that the players playing in the local games will be considered for the Test side against Bangladesh but since there is only one game before the Test series begins, Steyn will have to do well.
The Proteas, meanwhile, will start a new phase against Bangladesh as it will be their first series under new coach Ottis Gibson. The series can also see the return of former captain AB de Villiers who has made himself available for selection in all the formats. The two-match series will begin on September 28 in Potchefstroom.