South Africa's Steyn could play against Sri Lanka

The 35-year-old was impressive in the nets and was included in the squad for the Test match starting in Galle on Thursday, Du Plessis said in Colombo.

Steyn needs just three more scalps to break Shaun Pollock's record as South Africa's highest Test wicket-taker.

Injury-prone South African fast bowler Dale Steyn appears fit and could play in the first Test against host Sri Lanka, skipper Faf du Plessis said on Friday.

The 35-year-old was impressive in the nets and was included in the squad for the Test match starting in Galle on Thursday, Du Plessis said in Colombo.

“He is back for the squad. He looks really good in the nets. It's about getting his fitness levels back up to where we need them to be for Test cricket,” he said, adding that he was likely to play.

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Steyn needs just three more scalps to break Shaun Pollock's record as South Africa's highest Test wicket-taker. South Africa plays two Tests against Sri Lanka in Galle from July 12 and the second in Colombo from July 20.

Steyn, 35, has missed 27 of South Africa's most recent 32 Test matches. He has been plagued by groin, shoulder and heel problems and was unable to complete the most recent tests he started, against Australia in November 2016 and India in January this year.