Dale Steyn expected to feature against Australia

A long-term injury to Dale Steyn had seen him sidelined for a major part of the previous year. The 32-year-old South African pacer has been missed by the national side. However, many have questioned Steyn’s bowling effectiveness following the long-term injury.

Telford Vice, a prominent columnist for the Sunday Times has stated that it is time for Dale Steyn to call time on his international career. Vice also made a comparison with former Proteas quick Allan Donald.

“Donald took his bow not walking through a guard of honour but writhing on the Wanderers pitch and clutching at his hamstring like a footballer felled by an opponent’s bad breath,” Vice wrote.

Allan Donald’s swansong ODI against Canada was anything but delightful. He failed to pick a wicket and hobbled off with an unfortunate hamstring injury. He was 36.

Although their careers are very different, Steyn seems to be pulling up 4 years short of his predecessor.

“Names and places have been changed but SA are again guilty of trying to squeeze another drop of greatness out of a well that is drying up fast. As Steyn’s body keeps telling him and us, he is done,” Vive wrote.

“Not all greats are created equal. But they are all great. Whatever he does or does not accomplish at the WT20, Steyn is a Great. Someone tell him that, please.”

Dale Steyn however, had enough of Vice and those trying to get him to call time by lashing out prior to the first T20I against Australia.

“It’s absolute rubbish,” Steyn told Business Day back in January. “I played 48 Tests in a row, didn’t miss a single one, and now suddenly I’m an injury liability at the age of 32? It’s ridiculous.”

“I will be fine to play against Australia,” Steyn told Independent Media. “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.”