Pollock on air, 'Long live the King,' as Steyn surpasses him to become highest wicket-taker for South Africa in Tests

Fast bowler Dale Steyn surpassed Shaun Pollock to become South Africa's highest wicket-taker on Day one of the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at Centurion on Wednesday.

He dismissed Fakhar Zaman, his 422nd Test wicket, one more than Pollock. The veteran was on air in the commentary box who in excitement shouted, "Long live the king," and as the camera panned on him, Pollock showed a thumbs up.

Zaman gifted the historic wicket to Steyn with an eliciting an edge that was caught by Dean Elgar at slip.

It reduced Pakistan to 17 for 2 and his home crowd at SuperSport Park got to their feet and applauded. Earlier, Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and elected to bat.

Prior to the Boxing Day Test, a lot was being spoken about Steyn's awaited record to which the pacer humbly had responded, "I have a lot more wickets in me than just one more. I haven't saved myself just to take one more wicket than Polly (Pollock), there is a bigger goal at the end of the day."

"I do think it will be a beautiful thing to happen if it happens. It has taken a long time and these records are great things to achieve. I will be highly honoured but I will get back to my mark and try to take the next one," the 35-year-old South Africa added.

Steyn, who will be playing in his 89th Test, was expected to break the record earlier this year in two Tests in Sri Lanka but the fast bowler only managed to pick two wickets to tie with Pollack.

"It's just nice to have a red ball in my hand again. Sri Lanka was tough conditions for the fast bowlers, but by the looks of things - the way the nets have been playing out in the middle - there is some spice.