Pace bowler Dale Steyn announces his retirement from Test cricket

South Africa pace bowler Dale Steyn has announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday (5^th August). The right-arm quick claimed 439 wickets in 93 matches since making his debut for South Africa in December in 2004 against England.

The 36-year old last played Test cricket for South Africa against Sri Lanka in February. In his 15-year old career, Steyn picked up 26 five-wicket hauls and 5 ten wicket hauls for South Africa. His career best figures came against India at Nagpur when he picked up 7 for 51 to lead South Africa to a famous win. His best match figures came against Pakistan in a Test match played at The Wanderers in Johannesburg in 2012.

Cricket South Africa said that Steyn will be available for South Africa in limited-overs cricket for the 2019/2020 season.

Dale Steyn stated that it was a difficult decision to make as Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game of cricket. He said the red-ball format tests players to core. He said that the thought of not playing another Test is terrible but it’s time to prolong his career in the game of cricket. Steyn also acknowledged everyone who helped him to grow as cricketer in his journey for Proteas.

Cricket South Africa Chief Executive, Thabang Moroe said that Steyn has been outstanding bowlers in the game of cricket. He said that pace bowler has been a great servant to South African cricket and has set higher standards for future generations.

Despite performing exceedingly in white-ball cricket, Steyn suffered a shoulder inflammation during the Indian Premier League game for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

It would be detrimental as he failed to recover in time for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. With Steyn ruled out of the competition, South Africa had a poor World Cup campaign and managed to win three games in the tournament.

However, he has clearly stated he wants to do well for South Africa in the ODI and T20I format.