South Africa’s fast bowler Dale Steyn announced his retirement from playing Test cricket on August 5, Monday. He decided to focus on playing ODIs and T20Is for the rest of his career. Steyn is one of the greatest fast bowlers in history.
The official Twitter account of Cricket South Africa tweeted Steyn’s statement: “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."
Tributes from fans poured in social media. A lot of reputable cricket players sent supportive messages for the fast bowler such as AB de Villiers also wished his teammate on social media in a special post.
"Too many memories to mention! We started together many years back and I had the privilege and front row seats of watching @dalesteyn turn into the best bowler of his time. You are the greatest, an even better person and the best team man around. Well done HOOOLiOOOO," de Villiers wrote on Facebook.
The legendary Sachin Tendulkar also wrote on Twitter: Wishing you all the very best for the future @DaleSteyn62. You always challenged batsmen to bring their A-game to the ground.
It’s been a joy to watch you bowl and play against you.
In recent years, the fast bowler was affected by injuries. He sustained a heel injury in 2018 after stepping into a foot hole when they played a Test match against India. During the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, he chose to sit out in a single match due to a shoulder injury.
Dale Steyn made his international debut in 2004 for the Proteas when the team played against England. He joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008 to play in the Indian Premier League. He also became a player of Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Lions.
In his entire career, he played 93 Tests for South Africa with an impressive record of 439 wickets at an average of 22.95. He is also the leading wicket-taker of the team, breaking former captain Shaun Pollock’s record. The fast bowler has the best strike rate at 42.3.
Steyn is a recipient of numerous awards such as the 2008 ICC Test Player of the Year, 2013 Leading Cricketer and 2014 Wisden Cricketer of the Year.
Despite the retirement, Steyn will be continuously supported by his fans who watched him rise on where he is right now. He will focus on limited-overs for the rest of his career in playing for the South African national cricket
team.