Steyn may cut short Bangladesh tour as bowler eyes 2019 WC

South Africa pace spearhead Dale Steyn has hinted that he may not be available for the upcoming one-day international away series against Bangladesh in July, as he wants to be fully fit for the next World Cup.

The world number one Test bowler said that at this stage of his career he wants to save his energy for major tournaments, rather than wasting his 'last few balls' in Bangladesh, Sport24 reported.

He added that he would rather go to Bangladesh to help and support South African bowlers, and would use the remaining 10,000 or 20,000 deliveries in a big tournament.

The non-availability of Steyn might also open the opportunity for young speedster Kagiso Rabada in the ODIs, who would probably play in the T20 matches of the Bangladesh tour.

Apart from Steyn, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy and Morne Morkel could also miss some part of the series as all three are expecting the birth of their first children around the time of the tour, thus providing opportunity for the young players.