Test cricket will always miss you, Jasprit Bumrah pays tribute to Dale Steyn

South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket Dale Steyn announced his retirement from the format on Monday. Injuries in recent time have possibly been the reason behind his decision to call time, as he wants to extend in a career in the limited-overs format in international cricket. Steyn ends his career with 439 wickets in 93 Test matches.

He had made his debut in 2004 against England and inspired many others to take up the ball and bowl as fast as they can. However, he was plagued with injuries since the last 2-3 years and even missed the ICC World Cup 2019 with a shoulder injury he picked up playing in the IPL. He has been the role model for many fast bowlers who are playing cricket today and Jasprit Bumrah is one of them. He paid a rich tribute to the Proteas great on Twitter.

Congratulations on a great career says Bumrah to Steyn

Jasprit Bumrah had made his Test debut in the 1^st Test between South Africa in India in the 2018 series in the rainbow nation. Dale Steyn played in the same match but had to leave it midway due to an injury. The Indian bowler meanwhile has become a staple of the national team in all the three formats, producing amazing results with his awkward and unique action.

Bumrah took to Twitter to send a message to Dale Steyn on his retirement and said, “You’re a focal point for fast bowlers everywhere. Test cricket will miss you @DaleSteyn62. Congratulations on a great career and good luck for the future. ????”

You’re a focal point for fast bowlers everywhere. Test cricket will miss you @DaleSteyn62. Congratulations on a great career and good luck for the future. ????

— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) August 6, 2019

Steyn’s 439 wickets contained 26 five-wicket hauls and five 10-wicket match hauls. “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 maximize my full potential and ensure my longevity in this sport,” he said according to Cricbuzz.

The right-hand fast bowler from Phalabrowa has given his fans many moments to cherish with the red cherry and we all will be indebted to him for the entertainment he has provided to us in his 15-year Test career. At 36 years of age, he had to make a decision to prolong his injury battered body and career and took the hard decision to leave the format that requires the utmost fitness.