South African Pacer Dale Steyn has announced his retirement from international cricket on 31st August 2021. Steyn is arguably the 21st century’s greatest fast bowler. He topped the bowling charts for many years. He was skillful and devastating in equal measure. Steyn was part of South Africa’s golden generation of cricketers. He was part of 3 World Cups (2007, 2011, and 2015). Twitter reaction on Dale Steyn Retires From Tests
Dale Steyn Retires From Tests
But the South African team couldn’t cross the final hurdle. The closest South Africa came to winning the World Cup was in 2015. But they suffered a heartbreaking loss in the semi-finals. A crest-fallen Steyn lying on the ground remains the most iconic image of the 2015 World Cup. Steyn’s luck didn’t even help in the IPL. He couldn’t win a single IPL trophy too. The legend’s trophy cabinet remains bare.
The pace duo of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel was one of the all-time bests and both the players were the modern masters. They troubled the opposition with their varying strengths. Steyn is arguably one of the best bowlers of all time. His out swingers bowled at 145 kph were thunderbolts to which batsmen had no answers.
Morkel complimented Steyn beautifully. His disconcerting bounce and hard lengths made him a dangerous bowler. Morkel forever played under the magical genius of Steyn but probably this helped him in the longer run.
Here is the official announcement for Dale Steyn:
Announcement. pic.twitter.com/ZvOoeFkp8w
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) August 31, 2021
During his international run – Steyn was also a part of few controversies. And one of the most spoken ones is “Grant Elliott consoling Dale Steyn at the 2015 World Cup”. Grant Elliott hit the winning six for New Zealand in an epic semifinal against South Africa in the 2015 World Cup. With that shot, he dashed a million African hopes.
It was potentially the last World Cup for many South African legends. All these superstars were heartbroken. They couldn’t hold back their tears on the loss and cried inconsolably. Dale Steyn who bowled the last over was on the floor and couldn’t hide his emotions. Elliott in a moment of fantastic sporting brilliance extended his hand to console Steyn. It was arguably the most beautiful moment of the 2015 World Cup.
Many players like Suresh Raina, Sehwag, Munaf Patel, and ABD have reacted to his official announcement and greeted him for his tremendous cricketing career.
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
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
An unbelievable career! Congrats Dale, loved watching you, playing against you, you set the standard for fast bowling at the highest level in all conditions!! Absolute legend and great of the game! Enjoy the surf! #alltimegreat
— Ryan Harris (@r_harris413) August 31, 2021
Go well, great man. You were fire, one of the best the game has seen.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 31, 2021
Congratulations speedster on your wonderful career, you have achived big milestone in an era. Goodluck for new innings. Happy retirement.
— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) August 31, 2021
Congratulations on a wonderful career and all the best with whatever comes next!
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 31, 2021
Congratulations on a fantastic career, Dale 👏 pic.twitter.com/jlRYBpyEFr
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) August 31, 2021
Good luck brother man ! Best wishes 🙌
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) August 31, 2021
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