Steyn is set to make his long-awaited return to international cricket following numerous lengthy injury lay-offs.

The 35-year-old Steyn is set for his 87th Test for the Proteas and needs just three more wickets to become the country’s leading wicket-taker in the longest format of the game.

The seamer and two-time South African Cricketer of the Year, Kagiso Rabada, himself has recovered from an injury which earlier in the year put his series in the sub-continent in doubt.

Rabada did play in the two-day warm-up over the weekend, and he says that he is not feeling any ill-effects from his stress-reaction.

“I am feeling quite good, so far so good.

“We played a warm up game and all of the seamers bowled 12 overs. I have also been bowling some long spells in the nets, I bowled again today, so all is well.

“I am happy with where I am at the moment. A stress reaction is very common in bowlers, it shouldn’t hold me back.”

The first Test at the Galle International Stadium gets underway on Thursday morning.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport