Durban: South Africa’s legendary fast bowler Dale Steyn has announced retirement from all forms of cricket on Tuesday. The veteran pacer took to his social media handle to reveal to the fans that he has called time on his illustrious career.
“Today I officially retire from the game I love the most. Bitter sweet but grateful. Thank you to everyone, from family to teammates, journalists to fans, it’s been a incredible journey together,” Dale Steyn wrote in his statement.
Announcement. pic.twitter.com/ZvOoeFkp8w
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) August 31, 2021
Since making his international debut in 2004, Steyn played 93 Tests, 125 ODIs and 47 T20Is. The 38 year old pacer who is fondly known as ‘Steyn Gun’ among fans for his express pace, was one of the best fast bowlers to play the game. He had 439 wickets from 93 Tests at an average of 22.95 and strike rate of 42.3.
“And it’s been a long December and there’s reason to believe maybe this year will be better than last. I can’t remember all the times I tried to tell myself to hold on to these moments as they pass. It’s been 20 years since training, matches, travel, wins, losses, strapped feet, jetlag, joy, and brotherhood. There are too many memories to tell. Too many faces to thank. So I left it to the experts to sum up, my favourite band, the Counting Crows.” the statement further read.
Steyn played his last Test in February 2019. Steyn had earlier announced retirement from the longest format of the game in August 2019. He is South Africa’s all-time highest wicket-taker in the longest format of the game. Earlier this year, the pacer was pulled out of the Indian Premier League as well but featured in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The right-arm pacer has been one of the prominent figures in the Indian Premier League. Steyn had represented Royal Challengers Bangalore, SunRisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Lions in the cash-rich League.
