Steyn gears up for a fiery finale

South Africa’s fast-bowler wants to step up with a helping hand

SYDNEY: South Africa’s strike bowler Dale Steyn is gearing up for an improved show in Perth after not performing well in the last two Tests.

Steyn has managed just five wickets in three innings but knows his team needs more from him in order to win the series.

“Why would I want to come to Australia and be below average or average,” said Steyn.

In Brisbane, he claimed only one of the five the South African attack managed in total. In Adelaide, he got picked up four and believed he had bowled much better.

“Hopefully I can take wickets in this game. That’s what I am employed to do and that’s what I love doing. It comes down to one last game and it’s going to be a team contribution to winning this series.”

Watson declares himself fit

Meanwhile, Australia’s Shane Watson has declared himself fit for batting and bowling in the third and final Test against South Africa.

The all-rounder missed the first two drawn Tests of the series with a calf injury but was named in the squad for the final match.

“Over the last week I have gradually built up my bowling and my running,” Watson told reporters yesterday. “I am up to bowling as many overs as Michael Clarke wants, the normal workload I have in a Test. I understand (bowling a lot of overs) could be a possibility for me, but in the end my body is in the condition to do it. I’m certainly fresh compared to some of the other guys who have been out there, so my body should be right.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 29^th, 2012.