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Proteas back Steyn to snare Test record

Paceman Dale Steyn will become South Africa's all-time leading Test wicket-taker if he can snare six scalps in the first Test against Australia in Perth.

Dale Steyn has talked the talk and his South African skipper Faf du Plessis hopes the veteran will now walk the walk with a record-breaking display in the first Test against Australia.

South African paceman Steyn sent down the first barb of the three-Test series last weekend when he claimed Australia's batting line-up was like a snake - cut the head off and the rest will fail.

The comments were in reference to Australia's over-reliance on star batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner.

Steyn was sidelined earlier this year with a shoulder injury, but he's back to full fitness and aiming to wreak havoc on Australia.

The 33-year-old's performances will go a long way towards deciding whether South Africa can win their third straight Test series in Australia.

And Steyn also has the chance to achieve some individual glory at the WACA.

Steyn's 416 Test wickets places him second behind only Shaun Pollock (421) in South Africa's all-time leading wicket-taker list.

Du Plessis praised Steyn's influence on the team, and he hopes the pace spearhead will be rewarded with a glut of wickets - and a new record - in Perth.

"He's been one of those guys who's really stepped up in terms of working with the young guys," du Plessis said.

"With all those wickets and all that experience, there's no better guy to learn from.

"I'm hoping he breaks that record in the first Test.

"He's been bowling well. He's had his shoulder problems of late, but he's an important bowler for us in this series and hopefully he can stay strong right through the series."


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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