Cricket South Africa chief executive Thabang Moroe paid tribute to South Africa’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker Dale Steyn, who retired from the longer format on Monday.

WATCH: Steyn breaks SA Test wicket record

The Proteas great announced earlier that he would be stepping away from Test cricket with a view to extending his short-format career.

‘Dale is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats of cricket. From the time he made his Test debut against England in 2004 and dismissed their captain, Michael Vaughan, with a superb delivery, he has been one of the standout fast bowlers in world cricket,’ said Moroe.

‘He has led the South African attack brilliantly and has set the standard for our future generations to follow. More than that he has been a wonderful mentor to our next generation of speedsters.

‘We were saddened to hear of his decision, but it is one that management has to accept, and we thank him for his significant contribution to the sport and to the nation and wish him everything of the very best for the future.’

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

The 36-year-old Steyn has taken 196 and 61 wickets in 125 and 44 ODIs and T20Is, respectively. He will be afforded to add to the latter, if selected for September’s three T20Is in India.

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