Dale Steyn, who is the fast bowler of South Africa and ranks as the country’s highest wicket-taker announced his retirement on Tuesday (31 August) from all forms of cricket.
Steyn retired after a 20-year career in which he was regarded as the country’s greatest fast bowler.
Dale Steyn retired from the Test Cricket in 2019, however, he was still available for ODIs and T20Is. Dale even hoped to play the Twenty20 World Cup scheduled to happen in the United Arab Emirates later this year but had not been featured in the team since last year of February.
Steyn was a master of:
- Late away swing with the new ball.
- Reverse swing with the old ball.
Steyn announced his retirement on Twitter in which he said, “It has been 20 years of training, matches, travel, wins, losses, strapped feet, jet lag, joy, and brotherhood. Today I officially retire from the game I love the most. Bittersweet, but grateful.”
Steyn is regarded as one of the best bowlers of his generation with extreme pace and the ability to throw swings in both directions. He has taken 699 international wickets.
Steyn was restricted to only 11 tests after 2015 due to his shoulder problem, or else he would have taken more wickets. He appeared in 93 Tests in total, averaging 22.95 with the ball and striking with a strike rate of 42.30.
In the 20-year career of Dale, he took a total of 439 Test wickets, and according to the International Cricket Council’s rankings, he was ranked number 1st for 6 years. In addition to this, he stands as the fast bowler who took 196 wickets in the ODI format along with 64 wickets in T20Is.
Steyn has been a vital component of the South African side, ranking number one in 2012.
Steyn is famous for his ability to explain the technicalities of bowling, and he has also undertaken a mentoring role in PSL. It has been hinted that he might start coaching but that change will take some time as right now, he is only interested in pursuing other interests.
A huge number of renowned cricketers gave Dale Steyn a tribute and congratulated him on having a phenomenal career.
Brett Lee posted on Twitter and congratulated Steyn by saying, “Outstanding Competitor on the field and a gentleman off it.”
Shane Watson also posted on Twitter and said, “Such a fierce competitor on the field, but such a sweet and super kind person off it.”
Chris Gayle said, “All the best in your next chapter!”
Sachin Tendulkar, while posting on Twitter said, “It was always great playing against you.”
Yuzvendra Chahal posted on Twitter and said, “It was great to play beside you and learn from you.”
