He’s back! Proteas get timely good news on Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn provided the Proteas with some measure comfort about his future by announcing he’ll play for the Titans this upcoming domestic season.

As a national contract holder at Cricket South Africa (CSA), the 34-year-old quick had the right to decide which franchise he wants to play for.

Also read: David Miller ‘could easily’ play Test cricket for the Proteas

But it doesn’t really matter who he plays for.

The important thing is that Steyn, who’s snapped up 416 Test wickets, looks set for a long-awaited return.

He hasn’t played since November 2016 after suffering a complex shoulder injury.

With the international futures of Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Morne Morkel uncertain, this a timely dose of good news for the embattled Proteas.

“If you look at any other domestic player that is about to start the season, I’d say I’m on the same level as they are right now. I’m probably two or three weeks away from playing my first game, which I am really excited about,” said Steyn on Friday.

“Once I walk into the team my job will be to lead the attack, bowl fast and try and take wickets.”

Earlier this week, the man affectionately known as the Phalaborwa Express posted a picture on Instagram with the words ‘the wait is over’.

Though Proteas Test skipper Faf du Plessis isn’t expecting Steyn to bowl as quickly as he did in his prime, South Africa’s fast bowling legend can compensate for that with his other skills, especially swing.

Titans coach Mark Boucher is also keen to get Steyn into his groove again.

“It’s good for South African cricket. If you can face Dale Steyn at his best and see him through it will give a lot of confidence to a couple of the domestic cricketers around the country,” said the Proteas most decorated wicketkeeper in history.

“I want to get the best out of him, not only for himself. If Dale is playing good cricket then South African cricket is in good a position.”

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