Steyn fired up by pressure

South Africa bowler admits pressure forces him to bowl better.

Last updated: 19th December 2007

dale steyn south africa

Steyn: Pressure

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South Africa paceman Dale Steyn says competition from fellow speedster Morne Morkel is the reason for his aggressive bowling.

The South African pace sensation says that being dropped in favour of Morkel was a big shock to him and forced his to raise his game.

"It was an eye opener to me when Morne suddenly appeared on the scene to take my place," Steyn told the Beeld newspaper.

"At the age of 24, I should be replacing other guys; not being replaced. It was a big shock to me."

Morkel is currently nursing an injury he picked up ahead of the Pakistan Test series, but even when fit Steyn insists he will not be the one to make way for Morkel's return.

"I can hardly wait to see what's going to happen when Morne is fully fit and available again. I only know he is not going to get my place. Someone else will have to stand back for him because I'm going to cling to what I have.

"The way things stand now, South African cricket will be the winner because the seam bowlers will be giving each other a run for places in the team," Steyn enthused.

Glory days

South African cricket has not witnessed such fierce fast bowling since the days of Allan Donald, and Steyn is not about to let up.

"I can't really explain it. I just try to enjoy the moment and ride the wave for as long as I can. I have so much rhythm in my action and feel so comfortable that I just want to keep on bowling. It feels as if it is the most natural thing that I'm doing."

He is in the form of his life, taking 20 wickets in two Tests against New Zealand, 14 wickets in a domestic match and then a South African Twenty20 record of four for nine against the Windies recently.

"I'm just going to keep bowling the way I have done recently; whatever happens must happen. If you suddenly discover after a Test match you are ten wickets behind the total you had planned to take, you only place unnecessary pressure on yourself," added Steyn.