Dale Steyn made his first-class return for a CSA Invitational XI against Zimbabwe in Paarl.
While the Proteas fast bowler went wicketless in 12 overs, he bowled five maidens and conceded just 16 runs as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 196.
‘I feel good, I don’t feel like I am in any pain anywhere,’ Steyn told ESPNcricinfo. ‘That’s quite strange because I played a career with niggles all over the place, so it is quite nice to bowl now without anything. It is just about getting overs under the belt, and the recovery over the weekend and then pick it up again when I get to Port Elizabeth [for the Proteas’ four-day Test against Zimbabwe].’
The 34-year-old, who hasn’t played Test cricket since November 2016, needs just five wickets to overtake Shaun Pollock’s record of 421 Test wickets.
‘I am still fitter than the youngest guys in the side,’ he said. ‘It was just about getting through this year and trying to decide whether I still wanted to do it … I’ll play until I’m not good enough or someone’s better than me.
‘Every time someone talks about a record I get injured. So I’m not bothered. Let’s just go play. Let’s see what happens.’
The CSA Invitational XI were 55-3 after 18.2 overs at the close of day one of their three-day match.
Photo: Matt Roberts/Getty Images
