Dale Steyn played a key role as South Africa registered a comprehensive 2-1 ODI series victory over Australia in the three-match series Down Under. The veteran speedster claimed 7 wickets at an outstanding average of 13.42 in the series and was adjudged Player of the Match in the first ODI at Perth.
While Steyn recorded the stunning bowling figures of 2/18 in South Africa’s convincing 6-wicket victory in the ODI series opener, he scalped 2/31 in the second ODI at Adelaide. The 35-year-old returned with the figures of 3/45 in the series-decider at Hobart on Sunday (November 11).
Hailing Steyn’s contribution in the series win, former Proteas skipper Graeme Smith on Tuesday (November 13) took to Twitter and wrote: “Amazing how many people wrote him off, never write off a champion!”
Amazing how many people wrote him off, never write off a champion! https://t.co/N73ygyQzFd
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) November 13, 2018
Echoing Smith’s views, Sri Lanka’s batting legend Kumar Sangakkara also tweeted in the appreciation of Steyn.
“What a bowler!!@DaleSteyn62 heart, spirit and passion,” Sangakkara wrote on his official Twitter page.
What a bowler!!@DaleSteyn62 heart, spirit and passion. https://t.co/Oc0AAXdELv
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) November 13, 2018
Steyn made a comeback to South Africa’s limited-overs set up during the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe at home last month. The paceman had claimed five wickets in the two ODIs that he played against Zimbabwe.
South Africa are due to play Pakistan and Sri Lanka in two separate five-ODI series before the World Cup. Given his recent showing, Steyn certainly has a chance to make his case for the World Cup 2019, slated to be held in England and Wales.