Sachin Tendulkar, AB de Villiers, James Anderson lead cricket fraternity's reactions to Dale Steyn's retirement

South African legend Dale Steyn brought the curtains down on his illustrious career on Tuesday announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket on social media. Dale Steyn quoted Counting Crows' 'A Long December' song as he put a statement in his announcement of retirement from the game.

Steyn, who started five calendar years as No 1 Test bowler in the world and three years as No 2, is considered one of the greatest ever fast bowlers to grace this game. Oen of the most fearsome competitors of the game, Steyn tormented some of the greatest batsmen and the oppositions with his pace, aggression and entertained the ones watching with his passion and the celebration - the roar and the chainsaw.

Steyn, following a string of injuries retired from Test cricket in 2019 after playing 93 matches and taking 439 wickets at an average of 22.9 and the best strike rate among pacers - 42.30. Steyn wanted to elongate his white-ball career and represent his country in the 50-over and 20-over World Cups in the coming years.

Test: 439 wickets at 22.95
ODI: 196 wickets at 25.95
T20I: 64 wickets at 18.35

An absolute great of the game. Well done, @DaleSteyn62.https://t.co/gtTfLiBTU8 pic.twitter.com/a3g9hDcRlh

— ICC (@ICC) September 1, 2021

Another injury meant he couldn't participate in the 2019 World Cup and COVID-19 delayed the T20 World Cup, scheduled in Australia in 2020. 

"And it's been a long December and there's reason to believe...Maybe this year will be better than the last...I can't remember all the times I tried to tell my myself...To hold on to these moments as they pass."

 "It’s been 20 years of training, matches, travel, people, wins, losses, strapped feet, jet lag, joy, and brotherhood. There are too many memories to tell. Too many faces to thank. So I left it to the experts to sum up, my favorite band, the Counting Crows," Steyn added in a statement.

"Today I officially retire from the game I love the most. Bittersweet but grateful. Thank you to everyone, from family to teammates, journalists to fans, it’s been an incredible journey together".

Wishes and congratulations messages from cricketers, who have played alongside and against him started pouring in giving their best to Steyn on his outstanding career.

Here are some of the reactions:

Congratulations on a wonderful career @DaleSteyn62!

It was always great playing against you.

Hope you enjoy your 2nd innings as much as you enjoyed your 1st. pic.twitter.com/OhhlQEmC7I

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 31, 2021

Go well, great man. You were fire, one of the best the game has seen.

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 31, 2021

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

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

I have to say, @DaleSteyn62 was consistently the best bowler I faced throughout my career. I feel like he never bowled me a bad ball. Such an fierce competitor on the field, but such a sweet and super kind person off it. Enjoy the fruits of retirement. You deserve it mate. https://t.co/N2qa5KLXLG

— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) August 31, 2021

@DaleSteyn62 - Hooly - what a privilege it was to share the field with you, so many incredible memories that we all will treasure.

You were one of the greats on and off the field, I wish you all the best with your next chapter #champion https://t.co/CgvWJvCwF8 pic.twitter.com/3N6GLxZLPc

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) August 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

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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

 

 

 

 

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Incredible memories and achievements! Happy retirement @DaleSteyn62 All the best in your next chapter! Respect #Legend https://t.co/mM2OBrQIpe

— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) 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

“Bitter sweet” is the right way to sum up a great fast bowler’s career,@DaleSteyn62 . We have witnessed a fierce bowler in you, whose bowling feats will inspire the future generations. Congratulations on a wonderful career buddy and best wishes for whatever you do in future.

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) August 31, 2021

A fearless competitor,one of the best in the business! Most importantly a great human being!Wishing you happy retirement ⁦@DaleSteyn62⁩ pic.twitter.com/rl0m50QKOu

— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) August 31, 2021

Last of the great fast bowlers of my era @DaleSteyn62 bids goodbye to the sport. Always a treat to watch. Great athlete. Good luck for future endeavors. pic.twitter.com/IwFEaCA2jC

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) August 31, 2021

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

Happy retirement @DaleSteyn62 Outstanding career and achievements. Best wishes in your second innings. #Legend

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 31, 2021