Dale Steyn not ready to forgive Michael Clarke for Cape Town spat

Dale Steyn

South African fast bowler Dale Steyn hasn’t put the Cape Town incident – where he was involved in a heated exchange with Australian captain Michael Clarke as the home team was battling to eke out a draw – behind him, yet. Clarke and Co. eventually managed to get the home team all-out with only 27 balls to spare to win the match and, in turn, the series, a match more remembered for Ryan Harris’ extended spell unmindful of his busted knee that cleaned up the unrelenting tail.

Apologising in media not enough – Steyn

Speaking after his team’s tri-series win in Zimbabwe, where the AB de Villiers-led outfit defeated Australia at Harare in the finals of the tournament involving hosts Zimbabwe, Steyn, when asked about his relationship with the opposition captain, said: "I haven't really spoken to him much since then to be honest. I don't take many things personally, but what he did say to me I did take personally.”

What Clarke had said to irk the 31-year-old to this extent still remains a mystery, though.

Although Clarke, admitting that he had crossed the line, apologised for his behaviour later, Steyn still is no mood to forgive him till he makes it direct. He said: "I know he apologised in the media and I should be playing this down. But the day he comes and shakes my hand and says ‘I really mean what I said’ and behaves like the way he should, maybe then I will (forgive him).

"But for right now, he’s not here so I'll wait until I get to Australia."

A pumped up Steyn bowled one of the best spells of fast bowling in ODI cricket in recent times, picking up 4 crucial wickets in his 10 overs with some deadly reverse swing bowling to restrict Australia to a meager 217/9 in 50 overs. The target was chased down with ease by South Africa – their first multinational tournament win in 12 years, Faf du Plessis leading the way with a 99-ball 96.

Clarke had to fly back home midway through the tournament after aggravating his back injury, leading to George Bailey taking over the captaincy duties for the last two matches of the series, including the finals.