Ottis Gibson says Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn stand a huge chance of being selected for the Proteas’ 2019 World Cup squad.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Gibson said: ‘With experienced players like Vern – we know what he can do. If we are widening the pool, we don’t need to see him immediately.

‘Vernon doesn’t need to be playing every game leading up to the World Cup to come into the conversation.’

Steyn is hoping he can be ready to play for Hampshire in county cricket after signing a deal to play two matches in June.

He is still keen on playing Test cricket so he can get the three wickets needed to make him the leading wicket-taker in South Africa’s history.

The 34-year-old is still pushing for full fitness after suffering an injury against India in the first Test at Newlands in January, but Gibson has remained positive about his selection.

‘Dale Steyn could come into the World Cup if he gets fit. We don’t need to see him now. Dale is very passionate about playing for South Africa. All the conversations I have had with him, he just wants to get back on the park and play for South Africa,’ said Gibson.

‘When retirement comes, who knows? If he comes back and he plays well for a few games and he thinks I am satisfied – because he has been injured for a long time – therefore he wouldn’t want to retire having been injured.

‘Maybe he wants to play a couple of games, get back on the park so he can get the sort of send-off he deserves.’

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