JohannesburgSouth African speedster Dale Steyn termed the rumours that he is nearing the end of his career as absolute rubbish and reaffirmed his desire to play for his country during the tough times.
Steyn missed most of the Test series against India with a groin injury and his shoulder trouble has kept him out of three of the four matches against England.
Stating that injuries are part and parcel of the game, Steyn asserted that he still remains one of the fittest members of the South African squad.
“Its absolute rubbish. I played 48 tests in a row, didnt miss a single one, and now suddenly Im an injury liability at the age of 32? Its ridiculous, Steyn told Business Day.
“Injuries can happen to anybody but Im still one of the fittest players in the squad and I have many, many overs left in me.”
South Africa are currently undergoing a tough phase as a Test team having lost back-to-back series against India and England while going winless for more than a year.
More recently, Hashim Amla gave up Test captaincy and AB de Villiers has been appointed the skipper, even while there are concerns over his increased workload across all formats.
This run of results have led to South Africa surrendering their number one ranking and the team is currently undergoing a period of transition.
As a senior player of the South African team, Steyn wants to ensure that he remains with the team during the tough times and help the side turn their fortunes around.
“The Test team is going through some huge changes and I want to help lead the way as one of the senior players. This is no time to turn your back and walk away, thats the last thing on my mind.”
The South African team management recently stated that their main aim is to get Steyn fit for the upcoming One-Day International series against England.
However, Steyn does not want to rush himself back to action as he desperately wants to take part in the 2016 World Twenty20 and help South Africa win a World Cup.
“Id love to be involved in the ODI series against England but Im not going to rush back from injury, like I did in India, and make it worse.
“Im desperately keen to be fit and play in the T20 World Cup in India in March. It might be my last World Cup so Id like to help win the bloody thing.”
The ODI series between South Africa and England will begin on 3rd February after the completion of the fourth Test in Centurion which gets underway on 22nd January.
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