Steyn Vows To Learn During Glamorgan Stint After Opening Defeat

Dale Steyn insists he wants to learn from as well as inspire Glamorgan’s players over his remaining five matches with the county.

The South African’s much-anticipated debut ended as a damp squib on Wednesday night as Glamorgan lost their first home NatWest T20 Blast game against Essex by seven wickets.

Steyn conceded 32 runs from his three overs and did not take a wicket, but was denied a dream start when his first ball in Glamorgan colours was edged to slip by Essex captain Ravi Bopara – only for Aneurin Donald to drop a straightforward catch.

“That was disappointing, but these things happen and I don’t think it took the wind out of my sails,” said Steyn, who has been signed on a short-term contract for the first half of the tournament.

“I don’t think that’s ever happened to me with the first ball when I’ve been making my debut for a team, but that’s cricket. I really enjoyed the night.

“The crowd were making a lot of noise and there were some guys down on the boundary near me who were going crazy, which was fun. I’ve brushed away the cobwebs after some time off and now I want to concentrate on helping Glamorgan win some matches.

“I want to share some of my experiences from around the world with the players here, but I also want to learn from them as well.”

Glamorgan have now one victory and one defeat from their opening two T20 matches as they prepare to host Hampshire at the Swalec Stadium on Friday night.

Steyn, one of the world’s most feared fast bowlers of the last decade, will be keen to have more effect than his figures of 0-32 and added: “It’s hard to say what kind of impression I can make with this team after just this one match.

“But I think we have a side that can bounce back on Friday and I’m keen to play my part in that.”

Donald’s dropped catch was uncharacteristic and marred an otherwise impressive night for the 19-year-old Glamorgan batsman.

He provided rich entertainment for the home crowd with a superb innings of 51 from 38 balls that included two sixes and five other boundaries. It was only his fourth Twenty20 match.

But Glamorgan’s other batsmen failed to shine and they only recorded a total of 140. Essex eased to their target of 141 with 22 balls to spare. Although Steyn beat the bat on a couple of occasions, he was punished by Jessie Ryder in particular and later by Tom Westley.

The visitors made light of their task – reaching 143 for three after opener Ryder set them on their way with a pulsating innings. The New Zealander struck 42 from 23 balls that included one six and eight fours.