Dale Steyn announces retirement from all cricket

The South African - among the finest seam bowlers of his generation - claimed 439 wickets in 93 Test matches for the Proteas

Dale Steyn has announced his retirement at the end of a glittering 18-year professional career.

The South African - among the finest seam bowlers of all time - claimed 439 wickets in 93 Test matches for the Proteas.

He revealed his decision in a post on social media on Tuesday.

“Today I officially retire from the game I love most. Bitter sweet but graceful,” Steyn wrote on Twitter. “Thank you to everyone, from family to teammates, journalists to fans, it’s been an incredible journey together.”

Announcement. pic.twitter.com/ZvOoeFkp8w

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) August 31, 2021

“It’s been 20 years of training, matches, travel, wins, losses, strapped feet, jet lag, joy, and brotherhood. There are too many stories to tell. Too many faces to thank.”

Steyn played his last Test in 2019, opting instead to focus on white-ball cricket.

The 38-year-old was named ICC Test Cricketer of the Year in 2008 and was Wisden’s Leading Cricketer in the World in 2013.

A formidable fast bowler, he occupied the No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings for a record 263 weeks between 2008 and 2014.