I Want to Achieve Certain Things in My Career: Dale Steyn

Prominent South African fast bowler Dale Steyn spent the better part of last two years or so on the sidelines while being marred by multiple injuries. He could not play competitive cricket till November last year after injuring his shoulder during the tour of Australia in 2016.

The speedster was expected to return to action earlier this year, but the healing process took longer than expected.

“Playing international cricket at the highest level is where everybody wants to play. I have been blessed to have played for many years whether that be for South Africa or in the IPL,” Steyn told ESPNcricinfo.

The star bowler made his much-awaited return to Test cricket during the first Test at New Lands against India this year. However, the joy was short-lived as another injury saw him getting ruled out of the game and subsequently the series.

“I want to achieve certain things in my career. A hundred Test matches would be amazing and 500 wickets would be incredible,” Steyn maintained.

But despite the constant injury setbacks, he has insisted he wants “to play Test cricket as long as I can”.

Moreover, it will be a huge boost for the Proteas who have been rocked by some big retirements in recent times –  most notable AB de Villiers and Morne Morkel.

“At my age – I’m 35 [he is actually not 35 until the end of this month] – I want to play a lot of cricket. I think I can push it until I’m 38, maybe even 39, and start drifting this way [to county cricket] around that age,” Steyn pointed out.

In addition, Steyn has no such plans as he is looking to go past the 500-wicket mark in Test format.

But at the same time, Steyn made it clear that he would explore other options if the Proteas do not keep him in their plans.

“But how much cricket can you play for your country is the most important question. If I’m going to be spending the majority of the time on the sidelines, then you might have to weigh-up that option. But I think it’s a discussion that Ottis Gibson [the South Africa coach] and I might have to have, especially with a World Cup coming up,” he added.

Steyn further revealed that Gibson has assured him of a place in the playing eleven if he remains fit.

“He’s assured me that a fit Dale Steyn is in the XI and I’m taking his word on that. Hopefully, I can get the nod and can go on to get past Polly’s record. That’s been in the back of my mind for two-and-a-half years now. And achieve some of the personal goals I want to achieve, too,” he said.

The 34-year old is hopeful he would break Shaun Pollock’s record to become South Africa’s highest Test wicket-taker. Steyn needs just two more wickets to achieve the milestone.

“It would be amazing to play in the World Cup. But you have to play white-ball cricket to be good at white-ball cricket. Hopefully, I can get some white-ball games this year leading into December and put my hand up for the spot in that World Cup team next year. So I’ll play as long as my name is up there to represent South Africa,” he remarked.

Dale Steyn is currently playing county cricket for Hampshire. He is looking forward to prove his form and fitness ahead of selection for the Sri Lanka tour.