South African fast bowler Dale Steyn announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. He retires as South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, and their second-highest across formats. He was part of a golden generation for South Africa, and the news of his retirement led to an outpouring of tributes for one of the Proteas’ greatest.
Dale Steyn Annouces Retirement
The 38-year-old Steyn took to Twitter to announce his retirement, ending an outstanding career during which he played 93 Tests, 125 ODIs, and 47 T20Is and took 439, 196, and 64 wickets respectively for the Proteas.
Dale Steyn Retirement statement
“And it’s been a long December and there’s reason to believe
Maybe this year will be better than the last I can’t remember all the times I tried to tell my myself
To hold on to these moments as they pass.”
It’s been 20 years of training, matches, travel, wins, losses, strapped feet, jet lag, 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 favorite band, the Counting Crows.
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 an incredible journey together.
Steyn, who retired from Test cricket in 2019, had played against some of the finest batsmen of his time during his outstanding career.
Cricketers Reaction on Steyn’s announcement
People from the cricket fraternity came forward to wish Steyn a happy retirement. Former South Africa captain and dynamic batsman AB de Villiers called him a ‘legend’.
Great player, great man, amazing memories! U picker a good song to sign off my bud. Legend forever!
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) August 31, 2021
The Best. ❤️
— James Anderson (@jimmy9) August 31, 2021
Congrats on a remarkable career. Set the standard for fast bowlers world round to follow for 20 years. No better competitor to watch in full flight, enjoy retirement mate!🏄♂️All time great
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) August 31, 2021
Go well, great man. You were fire, one of the best the game has seen.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 31, 2021
Good luck brother man ! Best wishes 🙌
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) August 31, 2021
Steyn last appeared in a Test match in February 2019 and announced retirement from the format in August that year. His last ODI was in March 2019 while his last ODI was in February last year.
Steyn, 38, played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2020 but managed only three matches for average returns. He played the Pakistan Super League in 2021, his last professional commitment as a player.
