Steyn impresses teammates on return from rib injury

South Africa's pace spearhead Dale Steyn returned from a rib injury as the world No.1 and bowled only three overs to impress teammate Faf du Plessis.

The Proteas had played only domestic T20 cricket since their last-start Test win over India in December, the same match where Steyn suffered a fractured rib.

Faf du Plessis said the nice thing with Dale is that he knows exactly what his body needs, and he knows how many days are left before the first Test.

The Australia-South Africa Test series will start on February 12.

Du Plessis said today he was bowling probably at 60 per cent and still swinging the ball nice and late, and landing it in good areas, which shows the quality bowler he is.

None of South Africa's Test batsmen made a score of substance after Graeme Smith won the toss.

Vernon Philander top scored with 58, the tail rescuing the Proteas after they slumped to 7-151, The AAP reports.