Hampshire secure Steyn as overseas pro

Cricket365
April 6, 2018

Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn has agreed to join Hampshire County Cricket Club as an overseas professional.

The 34-year-old will link up with the Club in June, training at the Ageas Bowl ahead of South Africa’s tour of Sri Lanka in July, with a view to then returning as Hampshire’s overseas player following his international commitments for the final weeks of the 2018 season.

Steyn is set to play just two matches for the county during his initial training stint, filling in for compatriot Hashim Amla for a single Royal London Cup match against Somerset and a County Championship match against Surrey in June.

Steyn

Director of cricket at Hampshire, Giles White said: “Dale is one of the best bowlers in the world and is extremely motivated to get going after a frustrating period on the side-lines.

“It seems a great fit for both parties – we hope that we can help him get back to his best and we look forward to welcoming him to Hampshire.”

Steyn needs just two more Test wickets to draw level with Shaun Pollock’s South African record having bagged 419 scalps in 86 Tests including an incredible 26 five wicket hauls.

The fast bowler injured his heel in his return Test against India at Newlands in January having spent over a year on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.

The most recent of his injury setbacks has led many to question if Steyn is a spent force but every indication from the man himself is that the spirit is most certainly willing and only time will tell if the flesh can come to the party.