Steyn retires ‘from format I love’ to prolong career
South Africa paceman Dale Steyn has announced his decision to retire from Test cricket with immediate effect.
The 36-year-old made his Test debut in 2004 against England and he went on to make 93 appearances in the red-ball format.
Steyn has been struggling with a shoulder problem for the last few months and the injury cost him a place at the World Cup.
He has decided to quit Test cricket after claiming 439 wickets but Steyn still has a contract in white-ball cricket.
Although he remains available for the Proteas in both ODI and T20 cricket, Steyn admits he will always miss Test cricket.
In a statement, he said: “Today I walk away from a format of the game I love so much. In my opinion Test cricket is the best version of this game.
“It tests you mentally, physically, emotionally. It’s terrible to consider never playing another Test again but what’s more terrifying is the thought of never playing again at all. So I will be focusing on ODIs and T20s for the rest of my career to maximise my full potential and ensure my longevity in this sport.”
He added: “I’d like to thank everyone in cricket, no one specific, because everyone has been a part of my journey. And I look forward to continuing to play for the Proteas in the shorter formats. Thank you.”
Latest
-
NewsMatt Parkinson stars at Manchester Originals have Birmingham Phoenix in a spin
The England leg spinner’s four for nine set up the victory for Jos Buttler’s side.
-
NewsHaseeb Hameed hundred helps Nottinghamshire defeat Warwickshire
Essex and Lancashire remain perfect in Group Two after two games.
-
NewsHundred organisers hit out at ‘unacceptable’ abuse
Players have been targeted since the launch of cricket’s new format.
-
NewsJoe Root admits friendship will be set aside against Ben Stokes in The Hundred
The England pair face off with Trent Rockers and Northern Superchargers on Monday.
-
NewsLocal hero Jonny Bairstow stuns Headingley with impressive Welsh Fire knock
Yorkshire wicketkeeper-batsman Bairstow, captaining the Fire, hit 56 from 36 balls in The Hundred clash.
-
News‘He’s a fantastic asset’ – Joe Root excited to see Rashid Khan in Hundred action
The England Test captain and Afghanistan leg-spinner are team-mates at Trent Rockets.
-
News5 things we learned from the opening games of The Hundred
The near 8,000 who turned up for night one represented the biggest ever UK crowd for a women’s match.
-
NewsFirst-pick Rashid Khan proud to be flying flag for Afghanistan in The Hundred
The leg-spinner is excited about the prospect of bowling 10 balls in a row when he turns out for Trent Rockets.
-
NewsAdil Rashid looking forward to coming up against Jonny Bairstow in The Hundred
When they face off on Saturday the Yorkshire and England team-mates will be on opposite sides for the first time.
-
NewsMichael Vaughan: Ashes will be ‘farce’ unless England granted travel exemptions
The former international skipper had previously called for the series to be cancelled unless families were allowed to accompany players.