South Africa quick Dale Steyn had targeted his county stint as a route to his comeback in international cricket. The paceman has not been a regular member of his national side due to a series of injuries since 2016.

Steyn did not get any takers in the IPL auction this year. After suffering an injury sustained during South Africa’s Test series against India, he will return to the field to play for Hampshire who have roped the pacer in ahead of the upcoming season.

Hampshire signed the South Africa bowler as an overseas player for 2018 season. They have also signed Hashim Amla for the first three months of the season, and have two South African Kolpak signees on their books - Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw.

Dale Steyn will now look to county circuit to get game time ahead of the Proteas’ tour of Sri Lanka in June. Following the tour, he will return to his county side ahead of the final weeks of the season.

The 34-year-old is also set to fill in for his national teammate Hashim Amla for a One-Day match against Somerset, and Championship match against Surrey in June.