He might have equaled Shaun Pollock’s all-time leading wicket-takers record in Test Cricket for South Africa. However, there're a few questions unanswered about his place in the ODI Format. Will he be playing the World Cup next year? Will he play One-day Cricket after the World Cup?
The Proteas would require Steyn in the squad, but the only concern for them is his fitness issues of late. Playing more games before the world cup would make the selector’s job easy. South Africa in recent times have lost players who have signed kolpak deals with county cricket clubs in England that has affected their squad. In 2011 world cup South Africa were the only team to beat India in the tournament, but it wasn’t a knockout match, showing how good they are away from home, in 2015 World Cup New Zealand beat them in the semi-finals which ended in a close finish, they have always struggled in knockout matches in marquee tournaments. But 2019 world cup would be Dale Steyn’s last world cup if he plays and can he be the man to lead them to their maiden Cricket World Cup.
Yes, injuries have kept him out for quite some time. Being a fast bowler his fitness was as good as anyone in World Cricket until the shoulder injury which he had against Australia in 2016 which has affected his match time, and even after recovering he got injured in the first test against India in January 2018 that has made him remain on the sidelines. Aching to have match practice under his belt, he began playing county cricket for Hampshire and got injured in August 2018 playing for them. The Proteas played against Zimbabwe in October 2018, Steyn produced a match-winning knock of 60 runs with South Africa’s score ending with 198 on the board, defending 198, he picked 2 for 19 bowling well above 140 Kmph. Recently playing in Mzansi League, Steyn is in decent form after getting hammered in his first game for Cape Town Biltz by Albie Morkel who is captaining Durban Heat.
Fast Bowlers themselves never know when their time would come to lay their boots. A few years ago we wouldn’t have this question if Dale Steyn will play in the World Cup or no. Since making his debut more than a decade ago, he has set himself apart from all of his counterparts. Playing against Zimbabwe, we saw him getting in rhythm and bowling in higher 140s. If he plays in the World Cup 2019, yes it will be a big bonus for SA, and even his presence in the dressing room will be a great learning experience for guys like Rabada and Nigdi. Meanwhile, it's a massive blow for SA as Ngidi will miss the entire Pakistan Series. For a quick bowler of Dale Steyn’s caliber and his involvement, not only in Tests but in ODIs as well he can help South Africa’s youngsters going into the world cup.
South Africa play little test cricket as compared to Australia, India, and England. They host Pakistan and Sri Lanka with the first test against Pakistan starting on Boxing Day, and this two home series could be vital to his chances of playing in the World Cup next year. South Africa play 3 Tests, 5 ODIs and 3 T20s against Pakistan, while they play 2 Tests, 5 ODIs and 3 T20s against Sri Lanka.
The Rainbow Nation has ten one-day internationals before the World Cup starts and it will be interesting to see the final squad being selected just in time for the ICC Cricket World Cup in May 2019. Now with Ngidi injured Steyn will have to play a crucial role for them in their next series at home.
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