South African bowling star Dale Steyn is set to return to action this week when the Proteas play a number of one-day warm-ups in England.

Steyn missed out on the last two Test matches against England after breaking his thumb in the second Test while attempting to field a catch off his own bowling. The speedster though is expected to make his return against the English Lions on Thursday after having the plaster cast on his thumb removed.

The game against England's second-best side will also see the return of Albie Morkel, Justin Ontong, Herschelle Gibbs, Vernon Philander and Johan Botha to the South African one-day side, while skipper Graeme Smith and veterans Mark Boucher and Jacques Kallis will be given a rest.

Proteas coach Mickey Arthur said that he would field his strongest side for Saturday's final warm-up game against the Lions, but that for now his senior most players would be rested. Smith, Arthur said, was mentally exhausted following South Africa's 2-1 Test series win over England, while Boucher also deserved a rest.

"I also want Jacques to get away from cricket for a while. I am not concerned about his batting in the long term but I'd like to give him a break."

"The ODI players are ready for action after our success in the test series. They also want a taste of it. Their enthusiasm will certainly help.

"The Test players are a little tired after an already too long tour but we are motivated for the ODI series."

Fast bowler Albie Morkel was also primed for the one-day matches and was particularly looking forward to locking horns with new England skipper Kevin Pietersen. "It should be a very good series, especially with Kevin Pietersen as the new England captain."

South Africa will begin its one-day campaign against the England Cricketers Association's Masters XI in a Twenty20 match in Buckinghamshire on Wednesday.

The SA team for warm-up: Hashim Amla, Herschelle Gibbs, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Justin Ontong, Albie Morkel, Vernon Philander, Johan Botha, Morné Morkel, André Nel and Makhaya Ntini.