Dale Steyn, South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, announced his retirement from the format. He took the decision in order to prolong his white-ball career. In a retirement statement, Steyn revealed that Test cricket is the best version of the game.
Steyn added, “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.”
Steyn made his Test debut in 2004, against England, at Port Elizabeth. He castled Marcus Trescothic’s defence to register his first wicket. He ended up taking 3 wickets in the match. In all, Steyn sniped up 439 wickets at a stunning average of 22.9 in 93 Tests, including as many as 26 five-wicket hauls. His best figures of 7 for 51 came against India at Nagpur. Thanks to Steyn’s magnificent spell that South Africa won the match by an innings and 6 runs.
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