CENTURION: South African fast bowler Dale Steyn says he is “ready to go” after being included in the Titans squad for their T20 Challenge encounter against the Knights in Kimberley on Wednesday.

Right-armer Steyn, 34, has not played competitive cricket since November 2016 when he injured his shoulder during a Test match against Australia at Perth.

The paceman, who is four wickets away from becoming South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, has urged fans not to expect him to be bowling at his best from the start.

“I am ready to go. Yes, I haven’t played in a year, but there are no massive expectations. I am just looking forward to playing again and feeling part of the game,” Steyn said on Titans’ website.

“I’m not asking people to sit back and think I’m going to bowl at 150kph and that I’m going to take five wickets. If I can get through the game with minimal damage in terms of economy rate and pick up a wicket or two that would be great.”

South Africa’s coach Ottis Gibson will be keeping a close eye on proceedings as Steyn makes his way back to full fitness as the speedster aims to be included in the national squad for the four-day day/night Test against Zimbabwe on Boxing Day.

If Steyn makes into the Titans playing XI on Wednesday, he could be up against destructive Proteas batsman David Miller.

Miller scored the fastest T20 International century against Bangladesh last month in Potchefstroom but Steyn has a plan to counter his international colleague.

“Dave’s a great batter — he’s not the kind of guy that comes out of the block and goes from ball one. Even when he scored the 100 against Bangladesh he offered up a few early chances — and he’ll tell you that himself,” said the fast bowler having 417 wickets in 85 Tests at a highly impressive average of 22.30.

“You need to put him under pressure in his first 10 to15 balls, and if he gets through that period you have to be good with your plans and execution because he can hit you wherever he wants to,” Steyn said of Miller.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2017