What does one look for in a fast bowler??Good consistent pace,agression,ability to move the ball and accuracy.Saffers quickie Dale Steyn does not only do all that,but also has a superb change of pace and a good yorker too.
After the departure of Shaun Pollock,South Africa needed another fast bowler to fill in his boots.Steyn has done just that and more.He might not have an intimadating body language,but from quick yorkers that dismissed West Indians in T20 to swinging deliveries that took care of the Indian batsmen in tests,he has done it all.He is quickest South African to get to 100 test wickets.
Dale bowls consistently at more than 90 miles an hour,but that isn't what I enjoy the most about his bowling.The best part about his bowling is his intent and energy.Every ball is bowled with great enthusiasm and determination.It's always fun to watch a fast bowler run in,beat the bat and utter a few words.Steyn does just that and with good regularity.
Steyn has a clean run-up and a neat action which helps him in moving the ball away from the right handed batsmen.The season of 2007-08 was particularly special for him as he went on to become 'ICC Test Player of the year' with 86 wickets to his name in 18 tests at a staggering average of just above 14.Since then,he has been on top of his game and moved up the ICC rankings.His ranking as number 1 in tests shows how well he has done over the recent past.He isn't just at the top,but at the top by a distance.
Consistent performances in T20Is and IPL surely make him among the world's finest T20 bowler.His armoury has a sharp yorker,a good slower ball and effective bouncer.He proved too good for Kieron Pollard in the recent Champions League.Another effort I remember,is when he along with Mark Boucher got the better of fellow country men JP Duminy In IPL 2.
Unlike many fast bowlers,Steyn is good in the field and a safe catcher as well.At 27 ,he has become the spearhead of the Saffer attack.Being in the form of his life right now,getting injured is the last thing he would want.Which is why,the injury he sustained in the Champions League while taking a stunning catch,has been a blow for Steyn supporters who wish to see him in action for SA.Being a fan myself,I do hope that the elbow injury isn't too serious and we see some quality fast bowling by him in the South African jersey.
Steyn has been a revelation so far. Just as you mentioned, it's his enthusiasm and fiery attitude that makes me want seeing him bowl. Luckily he hasn't had serious injuries so far unlike other fast bowlers.
ReplyDeleteAnd psst..he's 27 not 25. :P
Thanks for pointing out my mistake,made the correction.
ReplyDelete:)