Dale Steyn has forgettable outing on cricket return for Hampshire

It was a terrible comeback for South African pacer Dale Steyn in competitive cricket as he gave away 80 runs in his 10 overs while representing Hampshire against Somerset in the Royal London One Day Cup in Southampton on Wednesday.

Although he did manage to pick up a wicket, his side lost the game, with Somerset winning it off the last delivery. This was Steyn’s first game after he was sidelined with a heel injury during a Test against India earlier in January.

Hampshire had won the toss and elected to bat first and put up a stellar 356 for the loss of nine wickets, owing to a brilliant ton by skipper James Vince (109) and another 95 by opener Tom Alsop.

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Liam Dawson, too, had contributed well coming in the middle order, slamming a 47-ball 76. In reply, Somerset were off to a blistering start with Johann Myburgh slamming a 49-ball 71 while Peter Trego (100) struck a brilliant century coming in at No 3.

Steyn, who had started proceedings for Hampshire, had been hammered for 18 runs of his second over with Myburgh picking up four boundaries.

Vince, was however, pleased with Steyn’s efforts on the field. “I thought he bowled well especially at the end,” Vince was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

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“Up front he went for a few but also had a few dropped off him which could have affected the way he went. He only got off the plane a couple of days ago so hopefully he only gets better and better the longer he stays with us. He is a great bowler in all formats. He is a great asset to have and hopefully builds on today.”

Steyn finally had something to cheer about only in his last over, also the penultimate of the match, as Roelof van der Merwe holed one to Alsop at long-off.

But Chris Wood failed to defend 11 in the last over as Somerset completed their record List A chase in some style. They, however, failed to make it to the play-offs as Essex beat Kent by a 153 runs in Chelmsford.