Steyn confirms fitness with cheeky tweet

Dale Steyn has allayed fears his latest brush with injury could mean another long-term spell on the sidelines.

The South Africa fast bowler raised fears he was set for another stint on the sidelines after picking up a groin injury in an English county cricket match.

The 35-year-old was unable to complete his 11th over for Hampshire against Nottinghamshire at Southampton on Tuesday and was forced to leave the field.

However, after scans Steyn took to social media to suggest he would miss just the one fixture and soon be back in action.

Steyn has had a horrible run of injuries in the past two years, hampering his bid to become South Africa's record Test wicket-taker, though he did equal the record in Sri Lanka last month.

Steyn and Shaun Pollock have each taken 421 Test wickets.

A serious shoulder injury kept him out for most of last year before a heel problem suffered in his comeback Test against India in February sidelined him once more.

Steyn recently said overtaking Pollock's record had become something of a millstone around his neck, and declared his intention to push on to 500 Test wickets and beyond.

"I hope it just gets out of the way and we can just carry on. Because there's more wickets in me than 421.

"I have got 500-plus on the horizon so I don't know why we are so consumed on one number.

"When I am bowling it's like 'You're gonna get there, you're gonna get there'. I know I am, but I'm not interested in getting there," he added.

"What I am interested in doing is performing well for my country, taking wickets and winning cricket games. If I can do that, those records, that fame and all the other things you want with professional sport will come."

The 35-year-old veteran of 88 Tests, 116 ODIs and two World Cup campaigns, is aiming to be in the South Africa ODI squad that will play three matches against the Australians in November with the ultimate goal of participating in next June's World Cup in England.

The paceman said he had spoken to South Africa coach Ottis Gibson and will focus on white-ball cricket to get himself in a position to mentor the younger quicks.

"They are all learning as they play but unfortunately you can't go to a World Cup still learning. You need to know what you are doing," Steyn said.

"Even at 35 I am still learning but I know what I am doing. These guys need that. I am hoping that's what I can offer in the white ball scene and obviously play and win games for the country."

Steyn's recent injury history

Durban, 2018: Brusied left heel v India

Perth, 2016: Fractured right shoulder v Australia

Durban, 2015: Right shoulder strain v England

Mohali, 2015: Groin strain v India