South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, but said he will be available for one-day international and Twenty20 cricket.
Steyn, who missed the recent ICC World Cup in England because of a recurring shoulder injury, said he made the decision to prolong his international career.
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"Today I walk away from a format of the game I love so much," he said in a media release from Cricket South Africa. "In my opinion, Test cricket is the best version of this game. It tests you mentally, physically, emotionally.
"It's terrible to consider never playing another Test again but what's more terrifying is the thought of never playing again at all.
"So, I will be focusing on ODIs and T20s for the rest of my career to maximise my full potential and ensure my longevity in this sport. I would like to thank everyone in cricket, no one specific, because everyone has been a part of my journey. And I look forward to continuing to play for the Proteas in the shorter formats," the statement said.
Steyn, 36, took 439 wickets in Tests—more than any other South African. But he has played only eight Tests in the past three years as shoulder, groin and foot injuries have kept him sidelined.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Thabang Moroe hailed Steyn as "undoubtedly one of the all-time greats of cricket".
"He has been one of the standout fast bowlers in world cricket. He has led the South African attack brilliantly and has set the standard for our future generations to follow," said a "saddened" Moroe.
"More than that he has been a wonderful mentor to our next generation of speedsters."
(With PTI inputs)
