Steyn keen to make Proteas comeback

Having been plagued by injuries over the past year, Steyn is chomping at the bit to make his mark once again in the national setup.

"I'm really looking forward to it - I actually haven't played for South Africa for some time now. We went to the T20 World Cup and I didn't get as much game time as I would have liked but I was still recovering from that shoulder injury. But the guys had played a lot of cricket together up to that point so it was a good idea not to break up the team that was winning," Steyn said.

Steyn is back in the mix alongside Vernon Philander - bringing a lot of experience to the Proteas seam-attack. With Kagiso Rabada cleaning up at the national cricket awards, South Africa now has a lethal bowling attack at their disposal - which is why Steyn believes the squad is in a good space.

"I guess we're not missing too many players - it's really just AB. Morne has done his back so it's mainly those two guys. Myself and Vernon have missed most of last season so coming back we kind of replace those two. It's a little bit upside down but still a fantastic squad and still a team that can easily win on a given day."

On a personal note, there is no doubt that Steyn will be looking to reassert his place as one of the best fast-bowlers in the world after a torrid run through injury. He said he was unlucky last year but believes he knows how to manage his body.

“I had two injuries and unfortunately both were at the same time. I did a groin in India and then I broke my shoulder,” Steyn said.

“I don’t think I am somebody who struggles with injuries, I’ve managed my body well in the past. I was just unlucky that those two happened right after each other – it meant that I was out for an extended period of time.”

“I’ve looked after my body well, if you look at how much cricket I’ve played over the years. I’ve played over 100 ODIs, which is not many for someone who has been around for 12 years. If I continue doing that I should be fine for a few more years.”

The Proteas face a new look New Zealand side that is still rebuilding after Brendan McCullum’s retirement. Steyn believes they are a force to be reckoned with, but says the Proteas know what they need to do to get the upper hand in the series opener.

“They’re a great side, great bunch of guys too and I think being captained by Brendan McCullum over the past year, they were really a force to be reckoned with. With Kane now,I think they won in Zimbabwe so they are on the way forward.”

“AB did mention that their batting does look a bit weak, I think they are top heavy, they rely heavily on their openers. In these conditions, the new ball does all the talking. If you can get the new batters out with the new ball, things can happen quickly. We will look at that, but they are definitely a side to be reckoned with and a side that is on the up and up.”

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