Dale Steyn Retires from Test Cricket: Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers and Others Congratulate ‘Pace Machine’ on an Incredible Career
Twitter flooded with tributes to Dale Steyn as soon as he announced his Test retirement with many international cricketers, including Steyn’s national teammates Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers and his IPL captain Virat Kohli, lauding the ‘pace machine’ for his contribution to red-ball cricket.
Dale Steyn announced his retirement from Test cricket. The 36-year-old said that he took the decision to prolong his career. Steyn, who finished with a South African record of 439 Test wickets in just 93 matches, will, however, continue to serve South Africa in white-ball cricket. Twitter flooded with tributes to Steyn as soon as he made the announcement with many international cricketers, including Steyn’s national teammates Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers and his IPL captain Virat Kohli, lauding the ‘pace machine’ for his contribution to red-ball cricket. Dale Steyn Retires from Test Cricket: South Africa Fast Bowler Announces Immediate Retirement from the Longest Format of the Game.
Test match is still the “best version of the game” said Steyn in his retirement speech. “Today I walk away from a format of the game I love so much. 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.”
The Goodbye of a Great
Plagued by recurring injuries in the latter part of his career, Steyn made several attempts to fight his way back into the Test arena. But an ailing body coupled with his growing age saw the 36-year-old spent more time on the side-lines than the cricket field. Steyn still finishes as South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. He is also the fifth-highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers in Tests and eighth fastest overall. Take a look at various ways Twitter thanked Steyn Gun.
Greatest of His Generation!!
We Enjoyed the Contests in Whites
A True Pace Machine!!
The Greatest And Even Better
A Place in History
Finest Ever
A Class
Steyn Gun
Favourite! Then, Now, Forever
"Dale is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats of cricket," Cricket South Africa Chief Executive Thabang Moroe said. "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 thank him for his significant contribution to the sport and to the nation and wish him everything of the very best for the future."
Steyn made his debut against England in 2004. In a 15-year illustrious year, he led South Africa to many triumphs including a historic Test series victory in Australia where he picked up a 10-wicket haul in the deciding game. He ends his Red-ball career with 26 five-wicket hauls and best figures of 11/60 that he achieved against Pakistan. Thank You Steyn!
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 06, 2019 02:41 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).