(Cricket news) South African fast bowling legend Dale Steyn has announced retirement from all forms of Cricket. The seamer in an emotional letter announced his decision to hang up his boots.
Dale Steyn, now 38-years-old hasn't played an International game since February 2020. He had announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2019 but still wanted to play white ball cricket. He was also named in the 2019 World Cup squad but pulled out due to a shoulder injury and hasn't played an ODI since.
In his illustrious career Steyn has been named in the ICC team of the year 8 times. The seamer also won the ICC Test player of the year award in 2008. Steyn dominated the number one spot in the ICC Test rankings during the peak of his career, for a record 263 weeks between 2008 and 2014. In terms of days, Steyn has spent 2,356 days at the top as of 6 October 2016, the most by any bowler.
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His partnership with Morne Morkel wreaked havoc through opposition batters. Although a handy White ball bowler, Steyn's ability with the Red ball was something special. In 93 Tests Steyn has taken 439 wickets with an average of 22.95. Steyn is also South Africa's highest wicket taker in Test cricket.
Dale Steyn is a pure fast bowler with a speed between 140-150 Kmph. His aggressiveness and speed has always made him a tough bowler especially in home conditions. Steyn's ability to move the bowl away from the right hander consistently is second to none. He also had a quality to generate reverse swing with the old ball.
Steyn has played franchise cricket for the last couple of years with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, Kandy Tuskers in LPL and Islamabad United in PSL. His performances have been overshadowed by few of his comments about the IPL and PSL but Steyn's legacy will never be tarnished.
Dale Steyn leaves the game with inspiration to many budding fast bowlers. Being born in a small town in South Africa to Zimbabwean parents, Steyn has worked to make himself capable of being a true match winner.
