Dale Steyn, fiery South African pacer, announces retirement from Test cricket

Legendary South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has announced his retirement from Test cricket, Cricket South Africa said on Monday. "@DaleSteyn62 has brought down the curtain on one of the great fast bowling Test careers of the modern era when he announced his retirement from red-ball cricket with immediate effect," 

Over the last few years, Steyn’s cricketing career has been marred by injuries and he was struggling to keep up with his fitness for the Test cricket. He, however, continues to be a national contracted player for the 2019/2020 season in white-ball cricket and therefore remains available for the Standard Bank Proteas in both One-Day International and T20 International cricket, the Cricket South Africa said.

“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," the CSA quoted Steyn as saying.

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"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.

“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 said.

Steyn had made his Test debut against England in December 2004. Known for his brutal pace and probing line and length, Dale Steyn had picked up 439 wickets in Tests at an average of just 22.95.