Dale Steyn retirement: Twitter reactions on South African pacer’s retirement from Test cricket

Dale Steyn retirement: Veteran South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has retired from Test cricket with immediate effect.

Veteran South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has retired from test cricket with immediate effect. The 36-year old fast bowler has ended a 15-year old career amidst frequent injuries hampering his progress at the highest level.

“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,” Steyn said in his statement.

Having made his Test debut against England at Port Elizabeth in 2004, Steyn last played in the whites against Sri Lanka at the same venue earlier this year.

In 93 Tests, Steyn dismissed 439 runs at an average of 22.95, an economy rate of 3.24 and a strike rate of 42.3. Other than his 26 five-wicket hauls in Tests, Steyn also scored 1,251 runs at an average of 13.59 including a couple of half-centuries.

“I will be focusing on ODIs and T20s…”

Other than thanking everyone during his journey, Steyn also mentioned that he will continue playing in the limited-over formats. “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,” Steyn added in his statement.

Steyn has hung his boots as the highest wicket-taker for South Africa in Test matches. Overall, he is the eighth-highest wicket-taker in the format. Among the fast bowlers, Steyn is the fifth-highest wicket-taker.

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