Cape Town, Jan 19: The South African team will be in a state of quandary over playing fast bowler Dale Steyn in the remaining two one day internationals against Sri Lanka.
The Proteas have already won the series 3-0 after the Duckworth/Lewis-determined outcome in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night. Rob Houwing, Chief Writer, Sport24 feels that its possible that Steyn might get some rest and the Proteas might consider trying out new fast bowling options like Vernon Philander and Wayne Parnell in the limited over format.
The South Africans can also rest Steyn keeping in mind the forth-coming series against New Zealand. But there is also a case in which Steyn might be included in one or may be both ODI’s to re-sharpen his performances which hasn’t been touched the expected standards from him this season. Playing Steyn in one of the two remaining ODI’s can also help him prepare better for the New Zealand tour.
He has been conceding runs quite freely in the last few one-day internationals and this is something of a worrying point for the Proteas. Steyn was dicey in the previous ODI series against Australia, which the visitors won 2-1, as he experienced analogous problems with his economy rate.
“I suspect that Steyn will, indeed, be pulled out of one or both of the looming ODI’s with longer-term concerns in mind, and have an opportunity for mental and physical refreshment even if part of him may wish to recapture some missing links in his armory in Kimberley or at the Wanderers on Sunday,” said Houwing.
© ANI
