15 Facts about Dale Steyn: The South African tracer-bullet

According to some, there are only a few handful of out and out fast bowlers who have graced the cricketing arena. One of the best and perhaps even the best of the lot would certainly have to be Dale Steyn. All the things the batsmen wore for protection would perhaps not be enough to shield them away from the pace of Steyn. Although he is in the twilight of his career, there are certainly a few things that he brings to the table barring experience. That said, here are some interesting facts about the South African pacer.

1. Birth:

Dale Willem Steyn was born on the 27th of June 1983 in Phalaborwa, Transvaal Province, South Africa.

2. The Phalaborwa Express:

Some of Steyn’s nicknames include Steyn Remover, Steyn Gun, Phalaborwa Express.

3. Pace and intimidation:

He is a bowler who comes from the similar cloth of players such as Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson. Perhaps blood was the main motivation behind Sten taking up fast bowling. Scary eyes, throbbing veins and a chainsaw celebration has all made him South Africa’s most feared fast bowler. Extreme pace, the ability to swing the ball both ways, and accuracy have perhaps made him the country’s best ever.

4. Skateboarding:

Early on in life, Steyn is said to have loved skateboarding. However, upon the move to Pretoria, he decided on pursuing a full-time cricket career.

5. An early entrant:

His talent was capitalized upon at an early age. Having played just 8 first-class matches, Steyn was drafted into the South African Test squad. This has enabled him to play 82 Tests and 112 ODIs.

6. The Bullet arm:

While playing in the IPL for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, he clocked his fastest delivery and the fastest in IPL cricket recorded at 156.2 km/h. His fastest ball in international cricket was clocked at 155.7 km/h (96.8 mph) against New Zealand, making him tied 4th fastest active bowler with Lasith Malinga as of 3 January 2015.

7. Craig Cumming’s midriff:

The second Test of New Zealand’s 2007/08 tour of South Africa ended rather badly for New Zealand batsman Craig Cumming. Steyn delivered a short ball to Cumming, who missed. The ball crashed into his face and sent him to intensive care.

8. Hansie’s effect:

He began playing cricket when he was around 11 years old and he received a Hansie Cronje cricket set as a Christmas gift.

9. Wagging the tail:

Steyn is usually considered a tail-ender when batting and usually bats at number nine. However, he is a capable hitter of the ball and can also occupy the crease if required.

10. New Zealand run for cover:

The 2007/08 Test series at home against New Zealand saw a rejuvenated Steyn unleash his wrath and vengeance on New Zealand. He took 10 wickets at Johannesburg and followed it up with a 6-wicket haul at Centurion. In short, the Kiwis had little or no answers to the pace of Steyn.

11. Injury-breaking streak

After he turned 30, Steyn’s injury-free run ended. He suffered a groin strain in the Champions Trophy in June 2013, a side strain later that year and a rib fracture in early 2014, a year in which he had three hamstrings strains but also played a part in South Africa’s first Test series win in Sri Lanka in over two decades.

12. Grant Elliot’s gambit:

The 2015 World Cup saw hosts Australia and New Zealand face-off against India and South Africa respectively for a place in the final. In the second semi-final, Grant Elliot smashed a six of the last ball from Dale Steyn to help New Zealand enter the final.

13. The groin bites back:

With the muscles growing weaker after having crossed 30, Steyn suffered a plethora of injuries following the World Cup. He missed Test and ODI assignments at home and also and just about made it back to full fitness for the 2016 edition of the World T20.

14. The Rabada ousting:

He recovered in time for the World T20 but only played two of the four matches for the team.

15. Blended with pride:

Steyn played a cameo as himself in the 2014 Hollywood film Blended.