Dale Steyn delighted after successful test comeback
Aug 30, 2016 at 1:44 PM
There has been not even an iota of doubt regarding the fact that Dale Steyn has been an absolute legend in the game. The South African express pacer has been instrumental in reviving pace bowling in this era, where batting has become far uncomplicated owing to the rules. His phenomenal numbers in test matches are just an indication of how good he has been.
The last few months, though, were ordinary for Steyn, as he struggled with injuries. After missing a major chunk of the test series against India, Steyn was ruled out of the home test series against England. In between, he featured in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and got his form back. In the test series against New Zealand at home, Steyn has been simply exceptional and he is back at his best.
“It so nice to be back in this space,” Steyn said, admitting that he was nearing his 100%. He then praised his fellow pacers, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada for their efforts. “Vernon is a phenomenal bowler. He has kept it so tight. To bowl with him, you feel free because you can do whatever you want and he is going to tick over at two runs an over. And then KG (Rabada), he’s bowling 150, he is hitting the deck and getting wickets. it’s a great partnership at the moment.”
Regarding the ongoing second test, where South Africa enjoy a massive second innings lead, Steyn mentioned that batting would only get tougher. “It looked pretty hectic when we were batting,” Steyn said. “The cracks will widen as the day goes on tomorrow.” “We want to give ourselves enough time to bowl them out but we also know the longer we hang out there, the more difficult it will be to bat. There’s no point of declaring them overnight and giving them a bit of a sniff,” he added.
The pacer, though, mentioned that he was still working hard to be at his absolute peak. “Twenty overs does not put you in a position to say I am back. You learn how to start playing the game again and I am getting there. There’s been some reward but nowhere near what I am capable of.”