Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn has retired from Test match cricket. Steyn will remain available for ODI and T20I selection.
Steyn became South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in Test cricket earlier this year, after surpassing the veteran Shaun Pollock’s tally of 421. The 36-year-old Steyn ended a 93-Test career, which started in 2004, with 439 wickets.
What Steyn said
“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,” said Steyn, who was ruled out of the Proteas’ 2019 World Cup campaign due to injury.
“So I will be focusing on ODIs and T20Is 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.”
What Cricket South Africa said
“Dale is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats of cricket. From the time he made his Test debut against England in 2004 and dismissed their captain, Michael Vaughan, with a superb delivery, he has been one of the standout fast bowlers in world cricket,” added Cricket South Africa chief executive officer Thabang Moroe.
“He has led the South African attack brilliantly and has set the standard for our future generations to follow. More than that he has been a wonderful mentor to our next generation of speedsters.
“We were saddened to hear of his decision, but it is one that management has to accept, and we thank him for his significant contribution to the sport and to the nation and wish him everything of the very best for the future.”
Steyn’s limited-overs numbers
Steyn has taken 196 and 61 wickets in 125 and 44 ODIs and T20Is, respectively. He will be afforded the opportunity to add to the latter, if selected for September’s three T20Is in India.
