Former Australia wicketkeeper, Adam Gilchrist heaped praises for the veteran South Africa pacer Dale Steyn. He even felt that the Proteas fast bowler ranks amongst the greatest fast bowlers the world has ever seen. A fierce paceman who can bowl at speeds exceeding 145kph, Steyn is a bowler who can rattle batsmen with his aggression as well as his accuracy.
However, Steyn was away from the international circuit for a prolonged period of time after he sustained a nasty shoulder injury, which has now become a recurring issue for him. But fortunately for South Africa, he’s made a remarkable comeback to international cricket. He is currently preparing himself for the three-match ODI series against the Australians, which will be his first appearance Down Under since 2016.
During the prime of his career, Dale has achieved remarkable numbers across all formats as he has set the benchmark so high for the fast bowlers in South Africa that it is almost impossible to attain. Having played 88 Tests, he has 421 wickets averaging 22.64. In 118 ODIs, his 185 scalps have come at an average of 26.16 while in 42 T20Is, he has 58 wickets under his belt.
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Back when Gilchrist was in his final year of international cricket, he had spotted Dale Steyn’s potential, and said, “He’s got to rank up in the top echelon of fast bowlers ever. Statistically, he’s fantastic. He was just starting to get towards his prime when I was finishing, so it was obviously very challenging for me!”
Nevertheless, Adam also mentioned that although the South African legend is one of the most fearsome fast bowlers on the field, he is very much a gentleman off it. As quoted in cricket.com.au., Gilly said, “I’ve been nothing but impressed by his whole approach and attitude. He seems to just not over complicate it, keeps it simple. I’ve chatted with him a little bit but those who really know him and spend time around him, he’s one of the gentlemen of the game and nothing but impressive.”
This is the first time South Africa and Australia will take to the field since the infamous ball-tampering scandal that had shaken the world cricket earlier this year. In the aftermath of the incident, Australian skipper Steve Smith and opening batsman David Warner were banned for a period of 12 months. Neither of the two cricketers will feature in the upcoming series. The first of three ODIs between the two teams will be played at the New Perth Stadium on Sunday.
