• South Africa in England 2012

Steyn: KP and Trott wouldn't make South Africa team

Dale Steyn is the world's No. 1 fast bowler © AFP

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Fast bowler Dale Steyn has aimed a swipe at the likes of Kevin Pietersen and Jonathan Trott, claiming the pair would not get into the South Africa team.

The tourists kick off their visit to England with a tour match against Kent on Friday ahead of the first Test at The Oval on July 19. Victory in the three-match Test series will see South Africa leapfrog England to become the top-ranked Test side in the world.

Like England captain Andrew Strauss, Pietersen and Trott were both born in South Africa, but are eligible to play for England through family members - Pietersen's mother is English, while despite playing for South Africa Under 19s, Trott holds a British passport thanks to his English grandparents.

England may be the best side in the world, but Steyn, the world's No. 1 bowler, believes the pair would struggle to get into the Proteas Test XI.

"Pietersen, Trott and [Craig] Kieswetter are the ones really, and they're fantastic players but I'm not saying we're missing out because if I look at our team, who would they knock out? I think they'd have a hard time getting into our team now," Steyn said in the Daily Mail.

"I'm happy for them that they've come over here and made good lives for themselves and achieved fantastic things in cricket but I'm not saying that we miss them at all. I'm sure they would have done just as well if they'd stayed at home but they play for England.

"We've got loads of guys at home who want to play for South Africa who are very good players. The Proteas want to achieve fantastic things. Obviously we don't want players to leave to play in England, New Zealand and Australia but if they decide to do that what can we do?

"All I'd say to the England players is that they will soon be playing for the No. 2 team in the world because we want to get to No. 1.

"We've got a great side, a fantastic team. Our team is full of quality individuals and when we all pull together it makes for a very strong cricket team. I'm looking forward to seeing what these guys can produce, not just myself.

"The ranking is something we are really striving for. You want to be the No. 1 team in the world. You want to lead the way."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.