Good times start rolling in for Dale Steyn again
The Proteas quick chomping at the bit to bowl in the same attack as the 'exciting' Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.
Dale Steyn of Hampshire gestures during the Royal London One-Day Cup Semi-Final match between Hampshire and Yorkshire Vikings at the Ageas Bowl on June 18, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Philip Brown/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dale Steyn
Earlier this week, Dale Steyn expressed how eager he was to bowl in tandem with Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi in Test cricket.
He did that ambition no harm with an excellent spell of 5/66 in 29 overs for his English county Hampshire in their current County Championship match against Yorkshire.
“Kagiso is so special and Lungi is coming through nicely,” Steyn told Sky Sports.
“I just hope there’s a spot for me when we get to Sri Lanka. In those conditions, you’re always looking to possibly play two spinners. So it’s a nice headache for the coach to have.”
Following a slow start since his return to competitive action from a heel injury, the 34-year-old Proteas quick has gradually found his rhythm.
It started with a fiery spell in a one-day encounter, where he notably nipped out Indian Test star Cheteshwar Pujara with a cracking delivery off a shorter length.
But, encouragingly, that rhythm is now delivering wickets again.
Steyn’s mastery of reverse swing would make him a pretty nasty proposition with Rabada in the Island’s conditions.
Yet he’s chilled (for now) on where he fits in, instead raving over what South Africa’s future bowling attack might hold.
“I’m looking forward to getting out there with some serious talent,” said Steyn.
“The Proteas have someone to look forward to in Ngidi but Kagiso’s been special for the past two years now already.”
Steyn is three wickets away from becoming the Proteas’ leading wicket-taker in Test cricket.
