Steyn dedicates success to Donald
Man of the Match Dale Steyn acknowledged the positive influence of South Africa's bowling coach Allan Donald in the wake of Sunday's 153-run victory on day five of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium.
Man of the Match Dale Steyn acknowledged the positive influence of South Africa's bowling coach Allan Donald in the wake of Sunday's 153-run victory on day five of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium.
Steyn took five wickets in the first innings and four in the second to complete figures of nine for 99, affording the Proteas a maiden victory in the longest format of the international game in Sri Lanka since 2000.
"Allan is an amazing bowler. I watched a couple of his Youtube videos before I bowled here and he was just incredible. And then every day he comes and tells you how good you are and what a legend you are," enthused Steyn.
"That must take a lot out of him because he is a legend himself. That's why every time I take wickets, I try to signal to him; to try and say this is not just for the team and the fans. This is to say thank you. He keeps me going."
The in-form right-armer's telling figures largely defied conditions primed for plenty of runs and conducive to spin. He and fellow seamer Morne Morkel shared 16 wickets, entirely outdoing a batting order sporting the services of the veteran Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara.
"Every time I go on tour I want to better my last performance. Every time I come to the sub-continent I want to do well. If I run in and take a five-for on a green track, no-one cares but if you run in and take a five-for here, that really counts," he added.
"It's not the fastest wicket in the world but if you can get pace through the air and bowl with a bit of aggression you always stand a chance. It's the kind of wicket where you have to bowl the ball in the right areas more often."
The second and final Test will get underway at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Thursday.
Latest
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.