Steyn's WC bid underway

South Africa pacer Dale Steyn's challenge for a place in the 2019 World Cup squad gets under way with a three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, starting at the Diamond Oval on Sunday.

The 35-year-old has not played an ODI since October 2016. He has been plagued by injuries but is fresh from a stint with English county Hampshire, taking 20 wickets in five first-class matches.

"It was good to go over and play there, be on the park consistently," he said.

His ability to stay fit is a key factor for coach Ottis Gibson. "Once Dale is fit, to me he's still one of the best two bowlers in the country. He's proven his fitness, so we'll see how he goes in the next couple of games," said Gibson.

Steyn said he was ready to compete for his place. "Having played my last game only two weeks ago for Hampshire I feel like I'm going, I'm flying. But white-ball is a whole new challenge. I've been playing red-ball in the UK."

Gibson said the series against Zimbabwe and the following three matches in Australia would be crucial for players trying to stake a claim for the World Cup in England.

He said the selectors would look to pick a World Cup squad for home series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka early next year.