'Legend forever' – Cricket world reacts to Dale Steyn's retirement
After an international career that spanned over 17 years, comprising 93 Tests, 125 ODIs and 47 T20Is for South Africa, Steyn called time, just one shy of 700 international wickets.
He retires as South Africa's highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, and their second-highest across formats. He was part of a golden generation for South Africa, and the news of his retirement led to an outpouring of tributes for one of the Proteas' greatest.
His former captain and teammate, AB de Villiers, was among the first to respond, as was Kagiso Rabada, Steyn's successor as South Africa's pace spearhead.
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
It’s been a pleasure to play alongside the 🐐. All the best for your future! @DaleSteyn62 pic.twitter.com/FewWkt5OvQ
— Kagiso Rabada (@KagisoRabada25) August 31, 2021
Congrats on an unbelievable career Dalo!
— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) August 31, 2021
U truly were a super saiyen in the world of cricket for a long long time!
What u achieved in ur career is something many would not even dream of trying to achieve
Wish you all the best in whatever life has in store for u @DaleSteyn62 ❤ pic.twitter.com/i8EE7t2HWN
Both current and former cricketers, many of whom have played against Steyn over the years, also paid tribute to an undisputed "great of the game".
Many congratulations on an outstanding career @DaleSteyn62 . You can be mighty proud of what you have achieved. Wishing you the best for the second innings. https://t.co/EyNGE6CkSy
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 31, 2021
My favourite all time 🙏🏾 good luck legend @DaleSteyn62 https://t.co/EoUTuPZz7w
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) August 31, 2021
I guess I’ll have to find another source of joy now! Congrats on an amazing career @DaleSteyn62 . Champion cricketer and champion bloke. Enjoy retirement 🏄♂️🎣 https://t.co/qhUYiJZAS6
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) August 31, 2021
Go well, great man. You were fire, one of the best the game has seen.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 31, 2021
One of the best on and off the field.. congratulations my friend. Enjoy ur retirement 👍 https://t.co/6v3vX9Yz7g
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) August 31, 2021
Perhaps most touching were the tributes that flowed in from contemporaries, including England's Jimmy Anderson, the duo having carried the flag for fast bowling for the best part of the last two decades.
The Best. ❤️
— James Anderson (@jimmy9) 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