Steyn will be playing his 100th ODI tomorrow

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

South Africa pace bowler Dale Steyn and batsman Faf du Plessis’ preparation for the national team’s World Cup match against Ireland has been disrupted by mountain fires raging near their houses in Cape Town.

“Massive fire behind my house in Stonehurst! Plz be safe and watch out for the mountain animals trying to escape it, porcupines, tortoises.” Steyn tweeted.

Du Plessis also took to Twitter to say: “Crazy mountain fire near my new house. Hope they can stop the fire before it does more damage.”

However, South Africa batsman Farhaan Behardien is confident that Steyn, who will be playing in his 100th ODI, and du Plessis will divert their attention towards the match tomorrow.

“Of course it does affect you in some sort of way, but we have quite a strong support structure around us, the people, the friends and the family that’s here,” Behardien said. “If there’s any opportunity to help them out or comfort them, we will do so, but I don’t foresee it being a problem at all for both Dale and Faf.

“It’s just one of those things. But the World Cup is quite important, it’s actually very important.”

Behardien also made it clear that he is glad to be playing alongside Steyn and not against him.

“It’s not fun facing Dale Steyn when he’s at full tilt,” Behardien said. “We all know what a wonderful performer he’s been over the last 10 years, the number one Test bowler.

“The fire and energy he brings to the bowling unit is awesome. A hundred caps is a wonderful achievement. Something I aspire to do, something most cricketers aspire to do.

“One hundred caps playing for your country is a massively proud moment. We will try and celebrate his 100th game with a win. We will be fighting tooth and nail come tomorrow.”