Crocked bowlers at Proteas net

Three fast bowlers in various stages of disrepair were at South Africa's net session at Newlands yesterday.

Morné Morkel, who broke down with a back injury on the same tour, might play his first match since then in the next few days.

Vernon Philander is nursing an impingement in his ankle that didn't hamper him noticeably during the Test series against Sri Lanka that ended last month.

Morkel was the only one of the three who trained with South Africa yesterday.

In informal conversations with reporters, Steyn said he had been due to start swimming at the end of this month as part of his rehabilitation but had been able to begin early, a few days ago. However, he was still far from being able to throw with power and distance.

Morkel is expected to play for the Titans in the opening round of the one-day competition against the Dolphins in Centurion next Friday.

Philander said his ankle was improving and should not get in the way of him playing in New Zealand next month.

- TMG Digital