Dale Steyn bids adieu to Test cricket with immediate effect

One of the greatest bowlers to have ever played Test cricket, Dale Steyn, has decided to bid adieu to the format. The intimidating sprint to the crease and the classy bowling action will no longer be witnessed in the whites. The ‘Phalaborwa Express‘ has decided to quit the format with immediate effect. Dale Steyn has had a glorious Test career and is possibly one of the greatest bowlers South Africa has ever witnessed.

He featured in a total of 93 Test matches in his decorated career. The ‘Steyn Gun’ picked up 439 wickets, the most ever by a South African bowler in Test cricket. He averaged 22.95 in the format and picked up 26 five-wicket hauls and 5 ten-wicket hauls. Moreover, he was an extremely handy batsman down the order and scored 1,251 runs in the longest format.

Dale Steyn to continue playing ODIs and T20Is

At the peak of his career, Dale Steyn was truly unstoppable. He swung the ball both ways and at a great pace as well. Irrespective of the conditions, he did a fabulous job and is one of those bowlers who comes once in a decade or two. However, injuries had taken a huge toll on his career. Had if not been for those shoulder surgeries, Dale Steyn might have played several more games and picked up numerous more wickets.

In the last two years, he has struggled with his fitness. Since the start of 2018, the pacer has only featured in 8 Test matches and picked up 22 wickets. Moreover, he was recently ruled out of the World Cup 2019 as well which might have forced him to take this step in order to prolong his career. While Steyn won’t play the longest format, he will still continue playing white-ball cricket for South Africa. He even penned down as emotional message as he bid adieu to a format that he loves.

“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. Thank you,” he wrote in his message.

He continues to be a national contracted player for the 2019/2020 season in white-ball cricket and therefore remains available for the Standard Bank Proteas in both One-Day International and T20 International cricket. pic.twitter.com/hdJ8htFMEu

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) August 5, 2019