Debasis Sen, Southampton: Winning a World Cup for the country is the biggest motivation for Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn. Steyn, who is now 35 years old will be playing his last World Cup next year scheduled to take place in England. The Hampshire bowler has been plagued with injuries, the recent one being a grade 1 groin injury which he suffered. The tear away fast bowler took some time off from his rehab at the nursery ground here to chat with Xtra Time. Here are the excerpts:
XT: Having watched the Indian bowlers in the ongoing series, your thoughts?
Steyn: As I said before the start of the series, England’s bowling attack had a slightly higher advantage in their home conditions. I thought the batting was pretty equal from both sides but I felt England’s bowling attack had an edge over India. I am very impressed with the Indian fast bowling attack, to be honest with you. I think Ishant’s (Ishant Sharma) along with Shami were outstanding. Both Hardik (Pandya) and Bumrah (Jasprit) looked good. And that has been the tipping point so far. India’s bowling attack has impressed but that has only won them one test match. They might lose the next test as well.
XT: How impressive has been Bumrah and Pandya?
Steyn: Bumrah has got the pace and with his awkward action he makes life even more difficult for the batsmen. He has got great skills and a smart bowler too. Pandya though has a long way to go. He is a great player to have in the squad for the One Dayers but in test cricket he is finding his feet.
XT: The duke ball here has been the talking point in the series. What is the difference with the other balls used around the world?
Steyn: The duke balls have pronounced seam. It’s really a hard ball if you compare it with a Kookaburra. Kookaburra probably get little more reverse swing, at some point gets more abrasive and can scuff up a little bit better. I don’t think we should introduce a universal ball which can be used all around the world. That’s part of the game.
XT: How frustrating is it to deal with injuries that have plagued your career spanning over a decade?
Steyn: Look, injuries are part and parcel for any sportsman. I have been lucky enough as a fast bowler not to have any injuries for a long time early on in my career. The worst injury that I had was when I broke my right shoulder three years back which kept me out of action for almost two years. Anyone that suffers that trauma will take a long time to recover. I am happy and blessed to be playing cricket again.
XT: Recently you expressed your desire to retire from the game after the World Cup next year. Is it true?
Steyn: Well I didn’t say that I am going to retire (laughs). What I meant to say was that it won’t be surprising to see a few along with me calling it a day after the event. It is not that I actually announced anything. Yeah, the game plan is to try and win a World Cup which is one of the biggest dreams of any cricketer.
So winning the World Cup next year for South Africa is your biggest motivation
Steyn: No, no there is still a lot of cricket left in me. I still consider myself pretty young. I am only 35. My dad is old, he is 60 (laughs). I am probably the fittest guy in the South African side. I just want to keep playing. It would be nice to reach the milestone of 500 test wickets. So you call it (retirement) whenever you want to call it. There shouldn’t be like a specific time, after the World Cup I am done. You do it whenever you feel like doing it. I could wake up tomorrow and decide not to play anymore.