Former India captain Rahul Dravid has likened Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn to the late Malcolm Marshall.

Steyn retired from Test cricket this week, but will remain available for ODI and T20I selection.

Marshall was prolific for the West Indies between 1978 and 1992, and played for Natal in South Africa. He passed away in 1999.

‘He is the Marshall of our generation. Steyn tried to bowl his best when he was aggressive. I always looked to leave Steyn’s bouncers because it was never in my control to pull it,’ Dravid told ESPNcricinfo.

‘He is one of the bowlers who will be remembered for eternity. He has been a match-winner and a game changer for South Africa.

‘South Africa’s advantage was that they had a wicket-taking bowler in the form of Steyn. He has the ability to take wickets with the new ball and he could swing the ball away from the wicket. He mastered the art of reverse swing as well.’

Steyn became South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in Test cricket earlier this year, after surpassing the veteran Shaun Pollock’s tally of 421. The 36-year-old Steyn ended a 93-Test career, which started in 2004, with 439 wickets.

Steyn has taken 196 and 61 wickets in 125 and 44 ODIs and T20Is, respectively. He will be afforded the opportunity to add to the latter, if selected for September’s three T20Is in India.

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