Dale Steyn

Profile

The relatively quick metamorphosis of Dale Steyn from an express bowler to an express world class bowler mirrors South Africa’s progress form mediocrity to world beaters. Inspired by the generation of Lees and Akhtars, the shortcomings on pace alone were grasped sooner by Steyn than his contemporaries. With a mixture of accuracy and swing to combine with pace, he soon rose to the pinnacle of Test bowling to become cricket’s best emerging strike bowler.

The contrast is evident in two series, away to Sri Lanka in 2006 where bulk wickets at irregular intervals were masked by an economy rate higher than six. While always possessing the penchant for wickets, his ability to raise the game towards higher echelons led to a strategic drop in the return series against Pakistan in the same year. It did wonders for Steyn, recalled for the welcoming of New Zealand the series after. He ended up playing both Tests, dismantling the Kiwis with 10 wickets in each, leading South Africa to historic victory margins by notably honing the reverse swing.

It was a timely improvement, as veteran Shaun Pollock announced his retirement months later. Along with Makhaya Ntini, the trio had been South Africa’s spearheads since Steyn’s arrival. Following the New Zealand tour, Steyn’s bowling displays often revolved around refreshing discipline with a decrease in economy. In the tour to Australia in 2008-09, in tandem with Ntini, Steyn helped South Africa clinch their first Test series win against the Aussies. He added another 10-wicket haul to his credit at Melbourne, a match which the Proteas won by 9 wickets.

IPL contracts too ensued in the midst, with Steyn penning a jackpot deal with Bangalore, and then for Hyderabad. While comparisons with contemporaries continue, it’s fair to say Steyn’s consistency in strikes over large periods has been unmatched in the modern era of pop Cricket, already making him the best bowling product following the turn of the millennium.

Fast Facts

• Dale Steyn became the fastest South African to reach 100 Test wickets.
• A 10-wicket haul by Steyn against New Zealand in 2007 led to South Africa winning by 358 runs – their highest victory margin in Tests.
• He is South Africa’s fifth highest Test wicket-taker, behind Pollock, Ntini, Donald and Kallis.
• He was rewarded with the ICC Test Player of the Year award in 2008.

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Career

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