Fit-again Dale Steyn claims 5 for 13 on return

Says he is ready for upcoming T20I series against Australia

Steyn had been out of action for nearly two months because of a shoulder injury.

 

New Delhi: South Africa’s pace spearhead Dale Steyn is back from a long injury lay-off and he announced his arrival with a strong performance that suits his stature in world cricket. He said he is fit and ready to lead South African bowling attack against Australia in the upcoming T20I series.

Steyn made a successful return to competitive cricket for Western Province Cricket Club on Saturday taking 5 wickets for just 13 runs in two innings. Playing in his first competitive match in two months, Steyn returned figures of 3 for 2 in five overs in St. Augustine's first innings, and followed that up with 2 for 11 in five overs in the second.

"I will be fine to play against Australia," Steyn told Independent Media before the start of the club game. 

"All the talk about the injury can take a sideline - I've been fine for the last three weeks, and that's why I'm playing today. If I was injured, I wouldn't be playing today. So, ready to take on the Aussies and everything should be fine."

Steyn had been out of action for nearly two months because of a shoulder injury he had picked up in the first Test against England in December. He also suffered a groin injury on the tour of India prior to England series. In all, he missed South Africa's six out of last eight Tests. He also missed all the limited-overs matches against England.

From here, Steyn will get three T20Is against Australia on March 4, 6 and 9 to prove his fitness before South Africa travel to India for the World T20.