Reports: Dale Steyn could be back in South Africa squad for England T20Is

With the Test series with England coming towards an end, South Africa’s focus is increasingly turning towards the limited-over series. The Proteas started off well in the red-ball format by winning the first match but then lost two games to put them under a lot of pressure to level the series. They announced on Tuesday their 15-man squad for the upcoming ODI series starting February 4 and in an effort to address the future, the hosts dropped Faf du Plessis and picked Quinton de Kock as the captain.

South Africa have only three more Test matches scheduled in the year and with the T20 World Cup lined up in Australia in October-November, the priority is clearly on the 20-over format. Along with du Plessis, the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Dwaine Pretorius have been rested for the ODIs and they could return for the three-match T20I series against the Three Lions starting February 12.

Dale Steyn last played a T20I for South Africa in March last year

And another name that could feature in the squad is veteran speedster Dale Steyn, who has also set his eyes on the World Cup this year. The 36-year-old, who has retired from Test cricket as South Africa’s highest wicket-taker, still plays the limited-over formats and is currently in Australia where he is representing Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League.

According to South Africa-based Sport24, Steyn will be considered for the England T20Is. The speedster last played in a T20I match for SA in March last year against Sri Lanka at home. He has 61 wickets in 44 matches at an average of below 18.

Chris Morris and Imran Tahir could also feature along with AB de Villiers, who quit international cricket in 2018, but South African fans believe he still has a lot to offer to the game.

Du Plessis and coach Mark Boucher have said publicly in recent times on their willingness to see the dashing batsman back in the Proteas ranks for the World Cup. Last year, de Villiers reportedly tried to get into the national team to play in the 50-over World Cup in England but was not allowed.

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