'Simply the best' - the world reacts to Dale Steyn's milestone
Dale Steyn began South Africa's Boxing Day Test against Pakistan needing just one wicket to become his country's leading wicket-taker in the format.
And it didn't take long for the legendary fast bowler to strike, as Fakhar Zaman edged the first ball of Steyn's fourth over behind to take him to the milestone.Got a good feeling I’m popping these in the first hour.. so excited for @DaleSteyn62!! #422 pic.twitter.com/ENO5HWoKCC
— Morne Morkel (@mornemorkel65) December 26, 2018
Shaun Pollock, the man Steyn replaced atop the tree, had a heartfelt statement ready and waiting...DALE STEYN MAKES HISTORY! 🙌
With Fakhar Zaman's wicket, his 422nd, the South Africa paceman becomes his country's most successful Test bowler. READ ⬇️https://t.co/kxEmcEVuqo pic.twitter.com/4u9liXGqbK — ICC (@ICC) December 26, 2018
...And the ground DJ had clearly done some preparations too!Well done @DaleSteyn62 👑 pic.twitter.com/YzZM7O7ghg
— Shaun Pollock (@7polly7) December 26, 2018
Of course, Steyn is no stranger to striking quickly. In fact, he might just be the best there's ever been at it.Dale Steyn, we salute you! What a man, what a player. Fitting that “Simply the best” is playing at Supersport Park, where everything started! Congrats legend @DaleSteyn62
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) December 26, 2018
But fast bowling is just one of his many talents.Best ever strike-rates for bowlers with 200 or more Test wickets:
Dale Steyn 42.00 Waqar Younis 43.40#Cricket — Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) December 26, 2018
The tributes soon started pouring in, not just from South Africa but from around the world.Congrats to the coolest surfing, fishing , skateboarding fast bowler on the planet on becoming the leading wicket taker in Test cricket for South Africa 🇿🇦🙌🏼🥂 Dale Steyn you beauty… https://t.co/GrAIortFaC
— Robin John Peterson (@robbie13flair) December 26, 2018
Well deserved for a true champion. Lengend of a cricketer and a legend of a bloke. https://t.co/qUC99pgvAL
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) December 26, 2018
To take over @7polly7 to become South Africa’s highest wicket taker in 19 tests lesser is some feat. Congratulations to @dalesteyn62! 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/Gfg7W3Laeu
— VINOD KAMBLI (@vinodkambli349) December 26, 2018
Didn’t waste much time getting to 422 test poles this morning. @7polly7 will be proud there’s no doubt. I asked @DaleSteyn62 if he would love 500 test wickets and he said..Not sure if my body would allow it? Well you look fit, strong and motivated pal so let’s do this👊 pic.twitter.com/3PQnesb8Ov
— Allan Donald (@AllanDonald33) December 26, 2018