Dale Steyn retirement: How the cricket world has reacted

Cricket fans, former players and leaders of the game have reacted to South African great Dale Steyn announcing his retirement from all cricket on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old fast bowler, arguably one of the finest fast, swing bowlers to have played the game, bowed out after taking 439 Test wickets at an average of 22.9.

ALSO READ: Proteas great Dale Steyn calls time on his career

Steyn played 93 Tests in a 15 year career and also featured for the Proteas at ODI and T20 level. He played all over the world in the rich T20 leagues, including in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, the Caribbean and England.

Former captain and teammate AB de Villiers said: “Great player, great man, amazing memories. Legend forever!”

ESPN Cricket said: “We were lucky to watch Dale Steyn in action. Congratulations on a fantastic career.”

Fans from across the world paid tribute to the fast bowler on Twitter, with words like “passion”, “aggression” and “greatest” used to describe Steyn.

Also, several called the South African “The best fast bowler of this generation.”

Steyn made his debut for the Proteas on 17 December 2004 against England. He quickly gained a reputation for being an exceptionally gifted fast bowler who could also swing the ball at pace.

England’s James Anderson, one of the leading wicket-takers in the game and a man who is also still playing Test cricket after many years, said Steyn was “the best”.

Irfan Pathan, the Indian all-rounder described Steyn as “the greatest fast bowler”. He said: “Numbers, although staggering, do sometimes undermine the sheer impact that he had with the ball in his hand. The action, the rhythm, that swing, and, that celebration! Cricket will miss Steyn.”

Other fans reacted by posting memes and videos of the South African in action. Here are some of the best following the news of Steyn’s retirement.