Steyn puts 'fear into his opposition'

Cape Town - Proteas interim skipper Faf du Plessis says that their No 1 bowler Dale Steyn is ready to prove a point and make a "huge" impact for the Proteas when they take on Australia in the first of five ODIs on Friday.

Steyn hasn't played an ODI since taking three wickets and sealing a series victory for South Africa in India last year October.

Du Plessis told the media on Thursday that he expects Steyn to prove a point after returning to the Proteas one-day side.

"He (Steyn) came back and felt like he needed to prove a point," said Du Plessis.

"When you're the No 1 bowler in the world, if you don’t take wickets regularly people are going to ask questions and that comes with its own pressures.

"Now he's back in the one-day team and he will definitely try and make a huge impact, and try and show everyone that one-day cricket is still a big part of his future."

Du Plessis expects Steyn to make his presence known and wants him to play a part in the Proteas' hopeful dominance against the No 1 ODI team in the world.

"Dale Steyn, it’s just that fear that he puts into the opposition - the name itself," added Du Plessis.

"You know you get a few guys around the world that have that (fear) and they have just a little doubt in their head.

"His skill and experience is something that just can’t happen overnight and if Dale is 100% and fresh and wants to bowl quick, he is an extremely big asset."

The first ODI starts on Friday at 13:30 in Centurion.