Steyn makes return in county run-fest

South Africa speedster Dale Steyn has come in for some heavy punishment in his return to cricket with Hampshire, as Matthew Renshaw's Somerset pulled off a record run chase in Southampton.

In his first competitive game since injuring his heel five months ago, Steyn finished with the unflattering figures of 1-80 off 10 overs as Somerset reeled in Hampshire's 9-356 off the final ball of Wednesday's domestic one-day clash.

His comeback game was overshadowed by Somerset recording their highest-ever 50-over chase, led by Peter Trego's century while Australia Test opener Renshaw – batting in the unfamiliar position of No.5 – struck an important 40 off 36 balls late in the innings.

The fiery quick bowled sharply but failed to stem the heavy flow of runs – fellow South African Johann Myburgh (71 off 49) took 18 off his second over – though he did pick up a consolation wicket in the penultimate over of the match when Roelof van der Merwe (another South African) holed out. 

Steyn, who is two wickets short of Shaun Pollock's South African Test record tally of 421, is targeting a return to international cricket for the Proteas' tour of Sri Lanka, which begins next month.

Hampshire captain James Vince, whose knock of 109 off 93 balls went in vain, was pleased with Steyn's first game for the club and suggested he'd been a little unfortunate. 

"I thought he bowled well especially at the end," said Vince, whose side finished top of the south group despite the three-wicket defeat.

"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's most recent injury setback came in January when he hurt his heel after landing awkwardly in pitch foot-holes during the Proteas' first Test against India, ruling him out of the ensuing controversy-marred campaign against Australia.

That Test against India had been his first since suffering a major shoulder injury at the WACA in November 2016 during South Africa's 2-1 series win over Australia.

But the 34-year-old is confident he's on track to make a full return to international cricket.

"The ball is coming out sweetly," Steyn told Hampshire's website ahead of the Somerset match.

"I needed to get back on the park and play a bit of cricket. 

"South Africa tour Sri Lanka in July so I felt that June was a great time to come and play some cricket.

"I haven't played much cricket since I broke my shoulder. Just to get back on the park was pretty important – I've watched these (last) two years just wash away."

Steyn is filling in for South Africa teammate Hashim Amla as Hampshire's overseas player for a month-long stint which will also see him play a four-day County Championship division one match against Surrey from Saturday as well as the club's one-day semi-final.

Somerset failed to qualify for the finals despite their daring victory.