Dale Steyn has called time on his Test career in a bid to prolong his involvement in the shorter format of the game.

The ‘Phalaborwa Express’ leaves the Test arena with 439 wickets, more than any other South African.

‘Today I walk away from a format of the game I love so much, ‘ said Steyn, who spent 263 weeks on top of the ICC Test bowling rankings.

‘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’d 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.

‘Thank you.’

Steyn, who ends his Test career with the lowest strike-rate of any bowler with more than 200 wickets,  remains a national contracted player for the 2019-20 season in white-ball cricket and is available for selection in both One-Day International and T20 International cricket.

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