Dale Steyn is eager to work his way into contention for South Africa’s 2019 ICC World Cup squad after being called up for the ODI series against Zimbabwe.
The Proteas pacer last played an ODI for his country in October, 2016 but a spate of injuries over the last two years has seen him sidelined for a long time. He will now be hoping to play a big part in the three-match series against Zimbabwe which gets under way on Sunday.
While Steyn had been sidelined with injuries, the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi have established themselves in South Africa’s limited-over setup. Despite the intense competition for places among the pacers leading up to the 2019 World Cup, the 35-year-old is more than ready for the challenge.
“It’s good to have challenges,” said Steyn.
“I think Lungi and KG (Rabada) would also appreciate the fact that I’m coming back into the side because they would also know that their positions are under threat. We all are. You can only take a handful of these fast bowlers to the World Cup and we’re all fighting for a spot.
Steyn recently underwent a stint with Hampshire.
“Everyone wants to go to the World Cup and I would love to go to the World Cup, but individually I would love nothing more than to see the Proteas win a World Cup. And if that means that I don’t go, then so be it.”
The pace stalwart’s return from a fractured shoulder at the start of the year was short lived with another injury in the first Test against India consigning him to another extended spell on the sidelines.
He made his return to competitive cricket recently with a stint at Hampshire in England’s county circuit.
“Having played my last game only two weeks ago for Hampshire, I feel like I’m going, I’m flying,” he said.
“But white ball is a whole new challenge. I’ve been playing red ball in the UK, so white ball is going to be a different challenge. All the skills, batters coming at you, the Powerplays all of that kind of stuff. And I haven’t played white ball international cricket for quite some time.”
