Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada to make ‘full recoveries’ in time for World Cup opener

South Africa have been handed a boost ahead of their opening World Cup match with England, with news that dangerous quicks Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada are close to ‘full recoveries’ from injury.

• Lyon forced to play World Cup waiting game
• Kiwis shaping as dark horses for the title
• England expects, but will its party be crashed

South Africa have been handed a boost ahead of their opening World Cup match with England with news that dangerous quicks Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada are expected to be fit to take part.

The tournament gets under way on May 30 at The Oval with the hosts and pre-tournament favourites a daunting prospect for the Proteas to face first up.

Rabada returned home early from his stint in the IPL to treat a back complaint while Steyn was considered an even bigger doubt due to ongoing shoulder injury problems of his own.

However, the latest prognosis from coach Otis Gibson is positive, with both men expected to be ready for the competition.

Kagiso Rabada is a wicket threat in all formats of the game when playing unrestricted.

‘There was an issue with KG (Rabada) and there was an issue with Dale, but we feel that those guys are on track,” said Gibson.

LONDON CALLING: Aussies arrive in UK prepared for hot reception

GO SLOW: The most bizarre innings in World Cup history

‘There is nothing that people should be alarmed about. We feel that they’re going to make full recoveries and be able to take their place at the World Cup.’

The news is particularly welcome for South Africa after they lost fast bowler Anrich Nortje (thumb) to a training-ground mishap earlier in the month.

Dale Steyn has been battling a shoulder injury for some time.

The South African team are due to meet up in Pretoria this weekend before making the journey to England.

The proteas, like their first opponents, have never won a World Cup. Having Steyn and Rabada available makes the prospect of changing that a more likely proposition.

Steyn, despite his battle for fitness, was a picture of confidence earlier this month when he was bullish in his assessment of South Africa’s chances.

“We’re going with good expectations,’ he said. ‘If you’re not going to the World Cup expecting to win, then you probably shouldn’t go.

“We just need to go there and hope a bit of luck goes your way, and you could win the tournament.”

PODCAST: Andrew Menzcel is joined by Daily Telegraph chief cricket writer Ben Horne and Peter Lalor from the Australian to discuss Australia’s chances in this year’s World Cup.

Stream the episode above or search ‘Cricket Unfiltered’ on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from, and subscribe today.