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Steyn makes successful comeback

South Africa legend put through his paces on T20 return from shoulder injury lay-off with eye on bigger prizes

Dale Steyn has made a successful comeback to professional cricket after more than a year sidelined with a shoulder injury, taking a wicket to help his side to a win in South Africa's domestic T20 competition.

Steyn took 1-25 from three overs in the Titans 38-run win against the Knights, but had a less than ideal start to his return.

Bowling the second over of the innings, with his team defending 199, Steyn started with a no-ball, then conceded three fours off successive balls in a first over which cost 17 runs.

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He did show one glimpse of the old brilliance in that first over, beating right-handed opener Grant Mokoena all ends up with a delivery that nipped away a fraction.

But a two-over spell in mid-innings brought him the wicket of Test squad batsman Theunis de Bruyn while conceding only eight runs, including a wide. 

It was Steyn's first action for more than a year since he suffered a stress fracture in his right shoulder in a Test in Australia.

The 34-year-old also contributed a catch in the covers and left the field with a smile on his face.

Steyn sidelined with shoulder problem

Steyn needs to prove his fitness before South Africa's next Test engagement, a day-night encounter against Zimbabwe in Port Elizabeth from December 26 to 29.

Described by watching reporters as "workmanlike" with "no special venom, seemingly no remarkable gas" the return marked an important stepping stone for Steyn.