Flashback: Dale Steyn’s dream Test team

Dale Steyn is one of the most iconic cricketers ever produced by South Africa, having established himself as an incredibly effective fast bowler during a career that spanned nearly two decades.

Steyn eventually headed into retirement in 2021, and has since been involved in some work as a cricket broadcaster, while also serving as a fast bowling coach in the IPL.

After hanging up his boots, Steyn interestingly shared the names of the players he would pick in a dream Test XI.

Steyn’s Dream Team: Graeme Smith (c), Virender Sehwag, Hashim Amla, Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), AB de Villiers, Andrew Flintoff, Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Glenn McGrath.

Dale Steyn picked a powerful mix of legends

In Steyn’s selections, Smith, Amla, Kallis and De Villiers all served as his teammates during a golden era for South African cricket.

Sehwag hails from India and was renowned as one of the most destructive opening batsman of all time, while fellow countryman Sachin Tendulkar is arguably the greatest batsman of all time.

Sangakkara – from Sri Lanka – was arguably the best-ever keeper/batsman, while Flintoff is an iconic all-rounder from England.

There can be no arguments around the selection of Warne, who was a legendary spin bowler for Australia, while McGrath was one of the most accurate pace bowlers to ever grace a cricket field.

Akram – the former Pakistan legend – was a left-arm great, who bowled with pace and precision.

*What do you think of Dale Steyn’s dream team? Let us know by adding a comment at the end of this article.

Steyn would be in most people’s Dream XI

It shouldn’t be overlooked that most pundits would undoubtedly pick Steyn in a Dream Test XI.

A name synonymous with raw pace and pinpoint accuracy, Steyn carved his legacy as one of the greatest fast bowlers cricket has ever witnessed. His international career began in 2004, and by 2019, he had become South Africa’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket with a staggering 439 scalps.

Steyn’s career wasn’t without its challenges. A spate of injuries plagued him after 2015, ultimately leading to his Test retirement in 2019. However, his hunger for the game remained.

He continued playing in shorter formats like T20s, featuring in franchise leagues around the world. He even had his sights set on the 2020 T20 World Cup, but a recurring shoulder problem forced him out.

Finally, in 2021, Dale Steyn officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, having featured in over 100 ODIs and 47 T20s.

Since, Steyn has transitioned smoothly into commentary, offering his expert insights on the game, with his engaging personality having made him a popular voice in the commentary box, while he also become a passionate coaching consultant.