Listing the surprising facts about Dale Steyn
What's the story
South Africa's veteran speedster Dale Steyn announced his retirement from Test cricket to prolong his limited-overs career. As he bids adieu to the longest format of the game, where he achieved considerable success, wishes have poured in for one of the most prolific Test wicket-takers of all time. Meanwhile, we bring you some of the surprising facts about the legendary bowler.
ODI debut
He did not make his limited-overs debut for South Africa
Starting with a fact not related to Test cricket, the weird thing is that he did not make his limited-overs debut for South Africa. In limited-overs, Steyn made his ODI debut first. However, it was while playing for Africa XI, against Asia XI, in 2005, during the Afro-Asia Cup. He claimed a wicket each in two matches, as the series ended in a draw.
A poet?
Can be considered quite a poet
While he has never written a poem, he does have poetry skills. It's all due to an admission he once made, where he said, "When I am off the field, I am the calm, very quiet kind of easy-going ocean. But, when I am on a hot streak with the cricket ball, I can be the most disastrous waters you have ever been in."
Fastest South African
Second fastest South African to claim 100 Test wickets
In case you don't remember, Steyn is the second fastest to claim 100 Test wickets for South Africa. He achieved the feat in just 20 matches. At a point, he was the fastest to 100 scalps for SA, before being overtaken by Vernon Philander in 2013, who achieved the feat in 19 matches. Nonetheless, Steyn is miles ahead of Philander.
Roberts' acclaim
Favorite fast bowler of the great Andy Roberts
It is always a special feeling when a great and legendary cricketer appreciates a modern-day gem. However, it becomes greater when the modern-day cricketer becomes his favorite. On the same note, legendary West Indian speedster Andy Roberts hailed Steyn as his favorite pacer of the contemporary generation. He compared Steyn to himself, of being similar in nature, with less smile and more aggression.
Bunny
Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez is his bunny
Every cricketer has one favorite opponent who they love to play against and can perform, even on their worst days. As for Steyn, he always had a special love for dismissing Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez. To date, in 26 matches, Steyn managed to dismiss him on 15 occasions, across formats. Interestingly, he also dismissed him on 10 separate occasions in 2013.