Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn will play for the Melbourne Stars in Australia’s 2018-19 Big Bash League.

Steyn will represent the Stars for the first six matches of the BBL and might return if not selected for the Proteas’ limited-overs fixtures against England.

‘I don’t think we can rule out that. Obviously the first prize is always to play for your country. Representing South Africa is the only thing I’ve ever done for my whole career so far, so to get back into that team is prize number one,’ said Steyn.

‘But if that doesn’t happen, I still want to be playing cricket. I don’t want to be sitting in South Africa not doing anything. So, if there’s a window and a chance that I could go back over and play for the Stars, that can be open to discussion. It certainly can happen.’

The 35-year-old, who retired from Test cricket earlier this year but remains available for ODI and T20I selection, boasts plenty of experience in domestic T20 tournaments around the world. He has played for the Deccan Chargers, Gujarat Lions, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, Cape Town Blitz in the Mzansi Super League and Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League.

Earlier this month, the Brisbane Heat revealed the successful recruitment of former Proteas captain AB de Villiers for the BBL. All-rounder Chris Morris will play for the Sydney Thunder.

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