South Africa's Pace Spearhead Dale Steyn Fit to Play in England Series

South Africa has some good news ahead of Christmas as their pace spearhead Dale Steyn passed a fitness test and will be available for the upcoming December 26-January 26 Test series against England. (Injured Dale Steyn to Miss Kotla Test Against India)

Steyn, who has 402 Test wickets and 175 ODI scalps, was down with a groin injury, which he suffered in Mohali, during the first Test against India in November. The fast bowler's absence dealt a huge blow to the Proteas as they lost the series 0-3. (Dale Steyn's Injury Has Hurt South Africa vs India: Sunil Gavaskar)

That series loss also ended South Africa's nine-year record of being undefeated in an away Test series. On top of that, the reputation of the Proteas batsmen was dealt a severe blow as none could score a single half-century in the four-Test series against India.

But on home turf, South Africa will be a difficult opponent to beat and England have a tough task at hand in the Test series, starting with the Durban Test on December 26.

According to a report in ESPNCricinfo.com, Steyn was given a tough work-out session at Newlands on Thursday, where he was required to bowl at full speed in the nets, run sprints and take part in fielding drills. He will undergo final assessments from the South Africa medical team when he links up with the Test squad on Tuesday.

"Dale has put a lot of work into his training and rehab since his return from India so we are very happy to have him back from injury," South Africa's team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee said.

"He was put through a thorough fitness test on Thursday by Cape Cobras physiotherapist, Shane Jabaar, which included two bowling spells at match intensity, fielding drills, sprints and agility tests. He came through the tests without any discomfort and will be available for selection for the first Test match against England starting in Durban next week."

If Steyn is selected for the first Test, then it will be an intersting duel between the fast bowlers of both sides. For South Africa, Steyn and Morne Morkel would be the key then, while James Anderson and Stuart Broad will call the shots for England.

World No.5 England are also coming into the series after a 0-2 loss to Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates. With both teams smarting from losses, it would be interesting to see which team would be able to change their fortune.