I Want To Have A World Cup Medal Before Retiring, Says Dale Steyn

South Africa were just a step away from qualifying for the final of World Cup 2015 when they were facing New Zealand in the semifinal of the tournament. Dale Steyn, who was still in his prime as a bowler, had the responsibility to defend 12 runs off the final over but the dreams of South Africa were quashed when South Africa-born Grant Elliot hit Steyn for a six, helping Kiwis chase down the target of 298.

A string of injuries in 2016/17 curtailed Steyn’s international appearances and not many expected him to be part of the World Cup squad. Battling all the odds, Styen earned his way back in the South African team across all formats and is all set to represent Proteas again in the World Cup – in what will be his final bid to lift the trophy.

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Styen recently spoke about World Cup 2019 and said that he wants to have a World Cup trophy before quitting the game. “I will give my best during this World Cup. I have got all the important trophies in my drawing room except this World Cup. I want to have the World Cup medal before I quit the game,” he told The Times of India.

Steyn is currently recovering from a shoulder issue but will be fully fit for the tournament, as revealed by coach Ottis Gibson recently.

He had flown to India to be part of IPL 2019 for Royal Challengers Bangalore. After playing just two games, he suffered a shoulder issue and flew back to South Africa.

The issue did raise concerns on his World Cup spot but he is in the line to be fully fit for the tournament. Steyn will lead the pace attack that has likes of Kagiso Rabada, who is also recovering from a back issue, and Lungi Ngidi. They will be assisted by all-rounders Andile Phehlukwayo and Chris Morris.

Also Read: Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada will be fit for World Cup 2019, confirms Ottis Gibson

South Africa take on hosts England in the first match of World Cup 2019 on May 30. Next, they will take on Bangladesh before facing 2011 World Cup champions India on June 5.

Prior to the league stage games, Faf du Plessis and co will take on Sri Lanka and West Indies in the warm-up matches. South Africa will fly to England for the tournament on May 19.