IPL 2016: Playing with Dale Steyn for Gujarat Lions will be a learning, says Andrew Tye

Australia T20 fast bowler Andrew Tye is enjoying playing alongside one of the best fast bowlers of this generation, Dale Steyn, in the ninth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Tye who was earlier a part of 2-time Champions Chennai Super Kings, was taken up by Gujarat Lions in the auctions earlier this year. Although he couldn’t feature in the starting line-up for CSK in any match, he will be fighting for a place in the team with his bowling idol. And since only 4 foreign players can play in an IPL match, it will be captain Suresh Raina‘s call to choose which of them to play. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Kings XI Punjab vs Gujarat Lions, 3rd T20 Match, Indian Premier League 2016 – IPL 9

“For me, it’s a highlight being here (with Gujarat), being able to pick his (Steyn’s) brains. I’m glad he’s on my team so I never have to face him. He’s just another different type of bowler you can learn from. I love gathering information, I love learning, I love figuring out what works well in different conditions”, Tye said as quoted by cricket.com.au. ALSO READ: IPL 2016 Schedule, Time Table, Fixture PDF Download

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The Australian said he broke the ice with Steyn by recalling one of his fondest memories of South African pacer from almost a decade ago. While bowling to Craig Cumming, the Kiwi batsman at Centurion in 2007, Steyn delivered a superb bouncer that went past the batsman’s hook shot and into the grille of his helmet, shattering Cumming’s cheekbone and breaking his jaw.

“Obviously I hoped Craig was alright and he has recovered fully from what I can gather, but just the fierceness in Dale’s attitude and bowling (has stuck with me), then he (Steyn) bowled the exact same ball to the new batsman (Scott Styris) – (the ball) fizzed past his face and (Steyn) gave him a big stare. It’s the sort of thing I can only dream of being able to have that pace. It’s what you love seeing as a fast bowler. Obviously you don’t like seeing people get hurt, (but) it’s part of cricket. He had a bit of a laugh and still feels sorry for it”, said Tye who was clearly impressed by the abilities of his idol fast bowler. ALSO READ: Gujarat Lions have match-winners in Dwayne Bravo and Brendon McCullum, says Suresh Raina

While quite a few of the players are still to arrive for the Lions before their first match against Kings XI Punjab on Monday in Mohali, those who have arrived played intra-squad match on Thursday night. Among those who were part of the game were – Dale Steyn, captain Suresh Raina, Brendon McCullum, Aaron Finch and James Faulkner. “It was good to get out there and play some competitive cricket, albeit within our own team,” Tye said. It’s always good to have some change-room banter if you get one up on the other guys. It was good to get amongst it and see what the blokes can do.” The match was an 18-over per side contest which was then followed by four super over drills where Tye bowled one of the overs. ALSO READ: IPL 2016: Suresh Raina finds captaining in IPL easy

Tye was also part of the Australian T20 team that played the T20 World Cup 2016 in India earlier this month. He was selected after a successful campaign with the Perth Scorchers in the KFC Big Bash League. The 29-year old was excellent with his variations then, specially his slower balls during the latter stages of the innings, but couldn’t repeat his performances when he played for Australia in the 3 T20’s against India.

Tye wasn’t so successful with his death over bowling for Australia against India and South Africa too, but says he loves to bowl during the death overs. “It’s something I’ve become accustomed to, being a death bowler,” he said. “It’s one I’ve down well for the Scorchers, not done quite as well for Australia. “It’s all part of the learning experience and that’s the role they see me in here. “That’s why I’m here I guess. I just embrace it and bring on the challenge”, he said, as quoted by cricket.com.au