Dale Steyn eyeing Bangladesh Test series return

It has been 10 months since Dale Steyn played for South Africa in any format. On November 2016, Steyn injured his shoulder during Australia tour. A month ago, Steyn had put up a photo celebrating a wicket on his Instagram account with the caption, “The wait is over.”

Steyn will be in contention for the Bangladesh Test series, if he plays in the opening round of First-Class fixtures starting next Tuesday. Steyn is just five wickets away from becoming South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in Tests. Apart from his international ambitions, Steyn would also be seen playing the T20 Global League for franchise Cape Town Knight Riders.

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The wait is over.

A post shared by (@dalesteyn) on Aug 17, 2017 at 2:34am PDT

However, Steyn would have to go through the fitness test before he can participate in any international competitions. “Any player participating in these First-Class matches would be automatically selected for the Bangladesh series,” confirmed selection convener Linda Zondi to ESPNcricinfo. With just one round of matches taking place, the performance has to be impactful and outstanding. Steyn would be representing Titans, where it all started for the pacer, after being with Cape Cobras for six seasons. The team comprises of five international players including Steyn such as Faf du Plessies, Dean Elgar, Heino Kuhn and Morne Morkel. They would be clashing against Dolphins.

Meanwhile, this would the first assignment for new head coach Ottis Gibson. He is expected to arrive to the country on next Monday when the First-Class fixtures get underway.

The team for the 2-match Test series against Bangladesh would be announced on next Friday. The first Test will be played at Potchefstroom on September 28.