Veteran South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn on Monday announced his retirement from Test cricket.
The 36-year-old Steyn, who played his first Test against England at Port Elizabeth in December 2004, also played his last Test at the same venue (against Sri Lanka on February 2019).
In his illustrious Test career, he scalped 25 five-wicket hauls and 5 ten-wicket hauls.
Overall, Steyn represented South Africa in 93 Tests where he claimed 439 wickets, most by a Proteas pacer.
“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,” said retiring Steyn in his statement.
“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." – @DaleSteyn62 pic.twitter.com/TlYHAQDsME
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 5, 2019
“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,” added Steyn.
"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." @DaleSteyn62 pic.twitter.com/CYvxPtCecY
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 5, 2019
“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 concluded.
"“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." – @DaleSteyn62 pic.twitter.com/60xn73Xhb7— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 5, 2019
Steyn missed South Africa’s disappointing recent World Cup campaign in the United Kingdom, where they finished seventh, with a shoulder injury.
