BBL: Departing Steyn advises Rauf to enjoy his comeback

South Africa’s Dale Steyn, while departing from the Big Bash League’s (BBL’s) Melbourne Stars squad on Monday, advised Pakistan’s fast-bowler Haris Rauf to enjoy his comeback into the side.

Steyn, while responding to Rauf’s Tweet on Monday, praised the fast-bowler while advising him to bowl fast in order to capitalise on the pitches in Australia.

“You’re a machine Haris! Loved hanging with you bud, enjoy the G on Wednesday night, bowl fast and knock them over,” Steyn Tweeted.  

You’re a machine Haris!!! Loved hanging with you bud, enjoy the G on Wednesday night, bowl fast and knock em over!

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) January 6, 2020

Earlier, Rauf expressed his respect for Steyn by stating that he had learned a lot from South Africa’s premier pacer.

“It's an absolute honour and great pleasure for me to spent some quality time both on and off the field with the world class pacer Dale Steyn. A brilliant soul with the true spirit of sportsmanship. Learned a lot from him and capitalized it on the ground. Huge respect for the legend!” Rauf Tweeted.

Steyn also thanked his teammates for welcoming him into the side while wishing them the best of luck for the tournament matches ahead.

“To all the Stars’ fans, and to the team thanks for having me. I had the best time. Honestly it’s a great family here. I walked into the dressing room and I didn’t feel out for one second. I am very happy that we won five out of the six games that I was here for. I am really looking forward to hopefully coming back in the future. Good luck to the boys. Hopefully you can take it all the way,” Steyn Tweeted.

Thank you @DaleSteyn62 💚 #TeamGreen pic.twitter.com/cHzCDgAqkp

— Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) January 5, 2020

The 21-year-old English quick Pat Brown, who was supposed to replace Steyn, was ruled out of remaining Big Bash League season due to a partial stress fracture.

“It’s really disappointing for Pat. We were very excited to have him on board this season to replace Dale Steyn and it’s disappointing we won’t get to see him in action for the Stars,” Melbourne Stars List Manager Trent Woodhill said about Brown.

After Brown’s injury, Rauf is expected to feature in the Melbourne Stars line-up as they face Sydney Thunder at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on Wednesday.