Dale Steyn Announces His Retirement: South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has announced his retirement from test cricket to prolong his career in the shorter format like ODI and T20.
In his 15 yearlong careers, he took 439 wickets in 93 Tests at an average of 22.95. He made his debut against England in 2004 and played his last test in February against Sri Lanka. He is now the highest wicket-taker for South Africa and the eighth-highest wicket-takers in Test cricket history only behind Stuart Broad ( 450 wickets), Courtney Walsh (519 wickets), Glen McGrath (563 wickets), James Anderson (575 wickets), Anil Kumble ( 619 wickets), Shane Warne ( 708 wickets) and Muttiah Muralitharan ( 800 wickets).
He is fifth among pacers and only behind Stuart Broad (450 wickets), Courtney Walsh (519 wickets), Glen McGrath (563 wickets) and James Anderson (575 wickets).
The 36-year-old may have retired from international cricket but will remain to be a national contract player for the 2019/2020 season for both ODI’s and T20. He will be available for the standard bank proteas in both the shorter formats.
While announcing his retirement, he said “Today I walk away from a format of the game I love so much. In my opinion Test cricket is the best version of this game. It tests you mentally, physically, emotionally. It’s terrible to consider never playing another Test again but what’s more terrifying is the thought of never playing again at all. So I will be focusing on ODIs and T20s for the rest of my career to maximise my full potential and ensure my longevity in this sport.
“I’d like to thank everyone in cricket, no one specific, because everyone has been a part of my journey. And I look forward to continuing to play for the Proteas in the shorter formats.
“Thank you.”
Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Thabang Moroe also paid tribute to the bowling legend stating “Dale is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats of cricket. From the time he made his Test debut against England in 2004 and dismissed their captain, Michael Vaughan, with a superb delivery, he has been one of the standout fast bowlers in world cricket. He has led the South African attack brilliantly and has set the standard for our future generations to follow.
“More than that he has been a wonderful mentor to our next generation of speedsters.
“We were saddened to hear of his decision, but it is one that management has to accept, and we thank him for his significant contribution to the sport and to the nation and wish him everything of the very best for the future.”
Twitter was flooded with tributes and congratulatory messages. Here are some of the best tweets:-
Congrats on a wonderful career buddy & yes you did entertain us all ! Well done @DaleSteyn62 ! The game is poorer without you mate https://t.co/WiGcCa7ObM
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) August 5, 2019
JUST IN: After 93 Tests and 439 Test wickets, Dale Steyn has announced his retirement from Test cricket. pic.twitter.com/3l1XmWKvvn
— ICC (@ICC) August 5, 2019
With Dale Steyn announcing his retirement from Test cricket, here's every wicket he took on Aussie soil. Legend. pic.twitter.com/1pScSNhp8X
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 5, 2019
I love you @DaleSteyn62
— Chris Morris (@Tipo_Morris) August 5, 2019
Too many memories to mention! We started together many years back and I had the privilege and front row seats of watching @DaleSteyn62 turn into the best bowler of his time. You are the greatest, an even better… https://t.co/Ujgv54bKTI
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) August 5, 2019
A true champion of the game.
Happy retirement to the pace machine @DaleSteyn62 🙏🏼💯— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 5, 2019
Congratulations @DaleSteyn62 on a fantastic Test career. Test Cricket will miss you , but I cherish the times we played against each other and wish you the very best in retirement. pic.twitter.com/sf5dmn7gUa
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 6, 2019
