South African Dale Steyn itching to torment BBL batsmen after signing on with Melbourne Stars

Fearsome South African speedster Dale Steyn will use his time as a super signing with Melbourne Stars to build on his fitness and express pace as he works towards an important personal goal next year.

South Africa's Dale Steyn celebrates a wicket against Australia in Hobart last year.

Big Bash batsmen beware — Dale Steyn will lead Melbourne Stars’ attack this summer, although the South African speed machine will only bowl 24 deliveries at the MCG.

Steyn, 36, revealed on Tuesday night that Cricket South Africa gave him the green light to join the green team because it would boost his preparation for next year’s Twenty20 World Cup, which will be held in Australia.

Stream every match of the Marsh One-Day Cup LIVE & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14-day free trial>

The aggressive fast bowler retired from Test cricket in August and was immediately chased by Stars list manager Trent Woodhill.

Steyn confirmed the league’s worst-kept secret — that he had signed a bumper one-summer deal in a major boost to a tournament that lost its fizz last summer.

Stars open every BBL season on the road due to the Boxing Day Test taking over the MCG and Steyn’s six-game window will see him light up Moe, Gold Coast, Launceston, Giants Stadium and possibly Brisbane.

Dale Steyn’s inclusion in the BBL will prove a major drawcard over the new year.

His final game will be the January 4 blockbuster, and BBL final rematch, against Melbourne Renegades at the MCG.

“It gives me something to do rather than sitting at home and doing nothing over the summer,” Steyn said on Tuesday night.

“(Cricket South Africa) are pretty tiresome in not allowing players to go and play in the Big Bash, purely because they felt it was unfair for certain players to go while other players had to stay behind and play domestic cricket.

“But knowing I’m not available for the Tests and wanting to keep me fit, and also having one eye on the Twenty20 World Cup in the backend of next year, they probably felt like it was a good call.

“It keeps me in the running for that World Cup. To win a World Cup medal for your country is still a big highlight.”

Steyn (shoulder injury) was withdrawn from this year’s World Cup in England without playing a match.

The lightning pace of Steyn is certain to fill seats in his six games.

South Africa’s greatest ever Test bowler will jet to Australia on December 18, which puts him in danger of missing the season-opener against Brisbane.

But Steyn said if his Cape Town Blitz is eliminated before the final of South Africa’s Mzansi Super League then he will rearrange his itinerary to make the December 20 clash.

South African batting wizard AB de Villiers was last month unveiled as Brisbane Heat’s monster signing, although Steyn is due to exit the BBL before his compatriot arrives.

Steyn must return home to prepare for South Africa’s white-ball series against England, which starts on February 4.

Steyn said if South Africa overlooks him for the ODIs he would consider returning for the tail of the BBL season.

While there was no megastar for the Stars season, the first seven campaigns featured either Shane Warne or Kevin Pietersen, while Michael Clarke signed as captain but never played a game.

Steyn takes part in a training session before breaking down early in ODI World Cup.

MORE NEWS

RESPONSE: STARC CONTENT TO BE ON ROTATION

EXCLUSIVE: T20 BOMBSHELL AS AUSSIES AXE CUP FLOP

Steyn was due to train by himself overnight and is also keeping sharp by bowling in the nets with “pretty scared” high school cricketers.

The Stars — under new coach David Hussey — have also signed powerful World Cup seamer Nathan Coulter-Nile and Hilton Cartwright from Perth Scorchers.

Nepalese mystery spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, 19, has also re-signed and is available for the full BBL season.

Originally published as South African Dale Steyn itching to torment BBL batsmen after signing on with Melbourne Stars