Dale Steyn has announced had immediate retirement from Test cricket. The 36-year-old South African great revealed that he took the decision in order to prolong his career and that it was for the best of his cricket career. Steyn, however, will be available to represent the South Africa national cricket team in One-Day and T20 internationals. His announcement brought an end to a 15-year long illustrious career that saw Styen finish as the highest South African Test wicket-taker of all-time. Lasith Malinga to Retire From ODIs After 1st Game of Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, Says Dimuth Karunaratne.

“Today I walk away from a format of the game I love so much,” said Steyn after announcing his decision as quoted by Sport 24.  “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.

Dale Steyn Calls Time On His Test Career

“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.” The 93-times capped( Test) Protea fast bowler finished with a record 93 wickets, making him highest South African wicket-taker of all time and seventh-highest overall.

“Dale is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats of cricket,” said Thabang Moroe, Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive. “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,” added Moroe.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2019 09:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).