Proteas legend Dale Steyn is widely regarded as the greatest fast bowler of the modern era.
Known for his intimidating presence, characterised by his intense eyes, throbbing veins, and a signature chainsaw celebration, Steyn was South Africa’s most feared fast bowler at his peak.
Nicknamed “The Phalaborwa Express,” he was renowned for his exceptional speed and his ability to swing the ball both ways, which often left batsmen in disarray. While he excelled in all formats of the game, he was particularly renowned as a Test specialist, amassing over 400 wickets in just 93 matches.
Dale Steyn dominated the ICC bowling rankings
Steyn made his international debut for the Proteas against England in 2004, the same match in which AB de Villiers made his debut. However, after only seven first-class matches before this, his initial performance did not impress, and he had to wait more than two years for another opportunity.
In 2007, Dale Steyn made a stunning comeback, taking six wickets for 88 runs against India, helping South Africa secure both the match and the series victory. From that moment on, he led the Proteas’ bowling attack for the next decade.
In December 2018, ‘The Steyn Remover’ became South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in Test matches, claiming his 422nd wicket and surpassing Shaun Pollock, who had held the record for ten years. In April 2019, he was selected for South Africa’s squad for the Cricket World Cup; however, an injury prevented him from participating, making it his third and final World Cup.
Two years later, at the age of 38, Dale Steyn retired from all forms of cricket. He concluded his international career with 439 Test wickets and a total of 196 ODI wickets. Renowned for his illustrious career, he is often hailed as the greatest fast bowler to emerge from South Africa. Many believe that had it not been for injuries, he could have surpassed 500 Test wickets and 300 ODI total wickets.
Since retiring, Dale Steyn has taken on the role of a bowling coach for several teams, including the Washington Freedom, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and England Lions. Beyond cricket, he is also a surfer and serves as an ambassador for the Roxy Davis Foundation, which supports adaptive surfing.
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