Dale Steyn: “South Africa [are touring] Sri Lanka in July so I felt that June was a great time to come and play some cricket”
South Africa pace bowler Dale Steyn has not played international cricket since suffering a heel injury back in January, but he has plans to return soon.
Steyn is currently representing Hampshire on the county circuit in England as he wants to get some match practice since he intends to make his international comeback during the Proteas’ tour of Sri Lanka next month.
In an interview with Hampshire’s website, Steyn confirmed that he has made a full recovery and is ready to start playing competitive cricket again.
“The ball is coming out sweetly,” he said. “I needed to get back on the park and play a bit of cricket. South Africa [are touring] Sri Lanka in July so I felt that June was a great time to come and play some cricket.”
South Africa’s tour of Sri Lanka, which will begin on July 12, will consist of two Tests, five ODIs and a one-off Twenty20 International.
Should Steyn feature in the two Tests, there is a good chance that he can surpass the legendary Allan Donald to become South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in the longest format.
Steyn currently has 419 Test wickets to his name and only needs three more to make history.