Proteas captain Faf du Plessis has backed fast bowler Dale Steyn to shine in their tour of Sri Lanka.
Heading into the first Test in Galle on Thursday (6.30am), Steyn needs only three wickets to become South Africa’s leading wicket taker of all time.
Trailing current record holder Shaun Pollock by two wickets, Steyn, who turned 35 two weeks ago, is currently on 419 wickets.
Of his pace spearhead, Du Plessis says: “[Dale] gets one wicket and he is up there with the most dangerous bowlers in the world because he is so skilful.
CONFIDENT: SA skipper Faf du Plessis. Photo: ERANGA JAYAWARDENA/AP
“I am hoping to see Dale bowl really quick again.
“In our bowling attack that we have, we have the ability to get 20 wickets on whatever the surfaces.
“I think this series will be won where the batters need to stand up for both teams.”
While the pitches in Sri Lanka will favour spin bowlers, it’s South Africa’s quicks who have Du Plessis excited.
He adds of Kagiso Rabada: “The remarkable thing about KG is how quickly he learns.
“He has the ability to swing the bowl both ways which I think not many bowlers have. He has got the skills, pace and control to do well in all the conditions of the world.”