ICC World Twenty20: I’m fit and strong to play, says Dale Steyn ahead of tie against England

New Delhi: After a long lay-off with injury, premier South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn said that he is fit and strong to play and is eyeing a positive start in the ICC World Twenty20 against England in Mumbai on Friday.

The Proteas enjoyed a 2-0 home Twenty20 series victory over England last month and Steyn feels his side having beaten them, has a better chance.

“I don’t want to say that we have the upper hand but we have beaten them (England) in the shorter format and they do know it. I’m fit and strong to play,” Steyn said.

Steyn, who returned to action this month against Australia in a three-match T20I series after groin and shoulder problems, has seen an improvement in South Africa’s limited-overs bowling attack which also includes pace bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Kyle Abbott and Chris Morris.

“When I walked into the side for the Australia series I could see the guys were glowing with confidence. I was watching guys who normally sit on the side lines like Kyle Abbott landing their yorkers and slower balls,” said Steyn.

Steyn also acknowledged the fact that in his absence with injury, the players have grown as a team.

“It was great to be out of the side because when I walked back in I realised how much I had missed it and how much these guys have grown as a team, even in that two month gap,” the speedster said.

South Africa led by Faf du Plessis, play their opening two World T20 matches against England and Afghanistan in the seam-friendly conditions of the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai

In their second game, South Africa will take on the West Indies at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, which produced a rank turner in the game between India and New Zealand on Tuesday.

Steyn said that he can bowl on any surface and that he prefers wickets that slow down and turn.

“I’ve always said that I can bowl on any track. I prefer the wickets that are slower and turning,” he added.

(With Agency inputs)