Kane Williamson paid the best possible tribute to just-retired South African legend Dale Steyn. The Protea fast bowler called time on his Test career on August 5, 2019, to focus more red-ball cricket and prolong his career. Steyn, one of the fiercest fast bowlers of his generation have bamboozled many batsmen with his strict pace and line and Williamson was no different. The New Zealand skipper shared a memento of one such fierce battle with the South African great as a tribute to Steyn. Williamson shared a picture of an abdominal guard, which was cracked by Steyn during a Test match between South Africa and New Zealand.  Dale Steyn Retires from Test Cricket: Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers and Others Congratulate ‘Pace Machine’ on an Incredible Career.

The abdominal guard was cracked by Steyn during a SA vs NZ Test match in 2013. It was also signed by the South African pace spearhead. Recalling the battle, Williamson shared a picture of the autographed abdominal guard. “The box @dalesteyncracked back in 2013 – OUCH! Kind of him to sign it after the match though Congratulations on an incredible Test career mate #steyn#alwayswearabox,” wrote the New Zealand captain in his tribute to Dale Steyn. Dale Steyn Retires From Test Cricket: Here’s a Look at Four Best Bowling Performances of South African Pacer in Tests.

Kane Williamson's Fitting Tribute to Dale Steyn

A video of that incident was also shared on social media. The short video clip shows Williamson collapsing to the ground after being hit by Steyn in his protected area. Steyn can be overheard saying “I’m not going to apologize for that," even as Williamson screams in pain.

When Dale Steyn Cracked Kane Williamon's abdominal guard

Meanwhile, Steyn called time on his Test career for South Africa finishing as the nation's highest-ever Test wicket-taker. He finished with 439 wickets in 98 Test matches making him the fifth-highest wicket-taker in Tests among fast bowlers and eighth overall. Steyn though will still be available to play for the Proteas in limited-overs cricket.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 08, 2019 12:10 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).