The Kingsmead Cricket Ground is one of the oldest cricket grounds located in  Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Renowned as a seamers wicket, the Kingsmead Cricket Ground has a seating capacity of 25,000, including traditional grass banks and high modern stands.

The Kingsmead Cricket Ground staged its first international cricket match, a Test played between hosts South Africa and England in January 1923.

Since then, the venue has hosted more than 100 international matches including 45 Test matches, 47 ODIs and 19 T20Is so far.

Located near the ocean in central Durban, the ground has witnessed several batting collapses in matches in the past. 

With that being said, let’s have a look at Kingsmead Cricket Ground Test records and stats.

Kingsmead Cricket Ground Test records and stats

Highest total

The South Africa cricket team recorded the highest total at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Test cricket. During the second Test of West Indies�?tour of South Africa in 2003, the Graeme Smith-led hosts posted a mammoth total of 658/9d after bundling out the visitors for 264 in their first innings in Durban. Centuries from Jacques Kallis (177), Herschelle Gibbs (142) and Gary Kirsten (137) helped South Africa register a record Test total at the venue. The hosts later bowled out West Indies for 329 in their second innings to win the Test by an innings and 65 runs. South Africa later clinched the four-match Test series 3-0.

Lowest total

The Bangladesh cricket team registered the lowest total at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Test cricket. Chasing 274 in the fourth innings, Bangladesh were bundled out for 53 in 19 overs against South Africa in the first Test of a two-match series in April 2022. Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored for Bangladesh with 26 while Taskin Ahmed (14) was the only other batter to reach double digits in their second innings in Durban. For South Africa, left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj was the wrecker-in-chief with figures of 7/32. Earlier, South Africa posted 367 in their first innings and later bowled out Bangladesh for 298. Later in their second innings, the hosts were skitted out for 204 to set up a target of 274 for Bangladesh. South Africa won the Test by a massive 220 runs and claimed the two-match series 2-0.

Most runs

Legendary South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis scored the most runs at this ground in cricket’s longest format in Durban. Between 1995 and 2013, Jacques Kallis amassed 1,266 runs in 16 Test matches at an impressive average of 50.64. The right-handed batter slammed five centuries and as many fifties at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Test cricket. His former teammate Gary Kirsten features second on the list with 1,048 runs in 11 matches at an average of 65.50 with three hundreds and four half-centuries to his name.

Most wickets

Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn picked up the most wickets at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Test cricket. The legendary right-arm pacer bagged 50 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 21.70 between 2004 and 2019. He claimed two four-wicket hauls and four fifers at this venue in Tests in Durban. Former South Africa cricket team captain Shaun Pollock is second on the list with 44 wickets in 12 Tests at an average of 21.79.

Highest individual score

Former South Africa cricketer Gary Kirsten registered the highest individual score at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Tests. Opening the batting, Gary Kirsten scored 275 in the second innings after England enforced a follow-on in the third Test of a five-match series in Durban in December 1999.  Kirsten’s magnificent double century was laced with 26 fours to help South Africa salvage a draw. Earlier, England posted 366/9d in their first innings and later bowled out South Africa for 156. The hosts won the five-match Test series 2-1.

Best bowling figures in an innings

South Africa’s Hugh Tayfield recorded the best bowling figures in an innings of a Test at this venue in January 1957. The former right-arm off-spinner registered brilliant figures of 8/69 to help bowl out England for 254 in their second innings. Hugh Tayfield dismissed Trevor Bailey, Denis Compton, captain Peter May, wicketkeeper-batter Godfrey Evans, Johnny Wardle, Jim Laker, Peter Loader and Brian Statham. Despite Hugh Tayfield’s sensational bowling spell, the Durban Test ended in a draw. 

Best bowling figures in a match

Former Australia cricketer Clarrie Grimmett holds the record for the best bowling figures in a Test match at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban. He took 13 wickets during the fifth Test of Australia’s tour of South Africa in 1936. While Grimmett bagged seven wickets for 100 runs in the first innings, he scalped six wickets for 73 runs in the second innings. Grimmett’s incredible bowling performance helped Australia win the Test by an innings and six runs.

Highest partnership

England’s Paul Gibb and Bill Edrich recorded the highest partnership at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Test cricket. During the fifth Test of England’s tour of South Africa in March 1939, Paul Gibb and Bill Edrich forged a massive 280-run stand for the second wicket in their second innings to almost pull off an incredible win. Opening the innings, Paul Gibb scored 120 while Bill Edrich slammed 219 batting at No.3. Earlier, South Africa posted 530 in their first innings before bowling out England for 316. While South Africa managed 481 in their second innings, England were 654/5 while chasing 696 when rain played spoilsport.

Photo credit: Imago

The Newlands Cricket Ground is one of the world’s most beautiful cricket grounds located in Cape Town, South Africa.

Established in 1888, the Newlands is known for being overlooked by Table Mountain and Devil's Peak, two of the prominent sight-seeing landmarks in Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa.

Following a string of renovations, the stadium has increased its seating capacity to 25,000.

The Newlands Cricket Ground is the home of Western Province Cricket, Cape Cobras and MI Cape Town. 

Owned by the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA), the Newlands is one of South Africa’s oldest sporting stadiums and staged its first international match, a Test between South Africa and England in 1889. The visitors won the Test by an innings and 202 runs.

Since then, it has hosted 60 Tests, 47 ODIs and 21 T20Is. Let’s have a closer look at the Newlands Test records and stats.

Newlands Test records and stats

Highest total

The South Africa cricket team holds the record for the highest total at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Test cricket. During the third Test of Australia’s tour of South Africa in 2009, the hosts posted the highest total of 651 in their first innings at this venue. Centuries from AB de Villiers (163), Ashwell Prince (150) and captain Jacques Kallis (102) powered South Africa to a mammoth total. 

Australia were bundled out for 209 in their first innings after electing to bat first. The Proteas bowled out the visitors for 422 in their second innings to win the Cape Town Test by an innings and 20 runs.

Lowest total

Hosts South Africa recorded the lowest total at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Tests. Chasing 246 in the fourth innings, South Africa were skittled out for 35 in 22.4 overs against England in the final Test of a two-match series in April 1899. 

Opening batter Albert Powell (11) was the only South African batter to register double digits in their second innings. For England, pacer Schofield Haigh was the wrecker-in-chief with six wickets. Earlier, England scored 92 in their first innings after opting to bat first while South Africa managed 177. England were bowled for 330 in their second innings. The visitors won the Test by 210 runs.

Most runs

Legendary South African cricketer Jacques Kallis scored the most runs at this ground in cricket’s longest format. Between 1996 and 2013, the former right-handed batter amassed 2,181 runs in 22 matches at an impressive average of 72.70. Kallis slammed nine centuries and as many fifties at the Newlands in Test cricket. His highest Test score of 224 at the Cape Town cricket ground came against Sri Lanka in 2012. Kallis�?former teammate Graeme Smith features second on the list with 1,363 runs in 17 Tests.

Most wickets

Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn bagged the most wickets at the Newlands in Test cricket. The former right-arm fast bowler picked up 74 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 21.75 and a strike rate of 44.29. Steyn registered eight four-wicket hauls and one fifer at this venue in Tests between 2006 and 2019. Steyn’s former bowling partner Vernon Philander is second on the list with 53 wickets in 11 Tests.

Highest individual score

Former New Zealand cricketer Stephen Fleming registered the highest individual score at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Tests. Batting at number three, captain Stephen Fleming scored 262 off 423 balls in the first innings of the second Test of New Zealand’s tour of South Africa in 2006. His magnificent double hundred was laced with 31 fours and two sixes. Fleming’s innings helped New Zealand post 593/8d. In reply, South Africa scored 512 in their first innings. The visitors were 121/3 in their second innings as the match ended in a draw. South Africa won the three-match Test series 2-0.

Best bowling figures in an innings

England’s Johnny Briggs recorded the best bowling figures in an innings of a Test match at this venue in 1899. The left-arm spinner registered figures of 8/11 to bundle out South Africa for 43 in the second innings. Briggs dismissed Bernard Tancred, Arthur Ochse, Philip Hutchinson, captain William Milton, Dicky Richards, Charles Vintcent, Fred Smith and Gobo Ashley to help South Africa win the Cape Town Test by an innings and 202 runs.

Best bowling figures in a match

Johnny Briggs also holds the record for the best bowling figures in a Test match at the Newlands. The England spinner took 15 wickets during the second Test of England’s tour of South Africa in 1889. While Briggs bagged seven wickets for 17 runs in the first innings, he scalped another eight wickets for just 11 runs in the second innings. Briggs�?incredible bowling performance helped England thrash the hosts by an innings and 202 runs.

Highest partnership

England’s Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow recorded the highest partnership at the Newlands in Test cricket. Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow forged a massive 399-run stand for the sixth wicket in the first innings of the second Test against South Africa in 2016. Stokes slammed 258 while Bairstow remained unbeaten on 150. The match ended in a draw.

Photo credit: Alamy

The SuperSport Park, located in Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa, is one of the most renowned cricket grounds in the world. 

Originally named Centurion Park, the cricket venue is popularly known as SuperSport Park after television company SuperSport bought shares in the stadium. 

Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, the Centurion cricket ground features Beach Cabana type hospitality chalets on the grass banks. It has a beautiful outfield with modern drainage facilities.

With a seating capacity of 22,000, the SuperSport Park is the home ground of the South African cricket team, Titans cricket team and SA20’s Pretoria Capitals.

It staged its first international match, a one-day International (ODI) between hosts South Africa and India in December 1992. India won the match by four wickets.

The SuperSport Park later hosted its first Test match played between South Africa and England in November 1995. The match ended in a draw.

Since then, it has staged 28 Test matches till date. Let’s have a closer look at the SuperSport Park Test records and stats.

SuperSport Park Test records and stats

Highest total

The South Africa cricket team holds the record for the highest total at the SuperSport Park in Test cricket. During the first Test of Sri Lanka’s tour of South Africa in 2020, the hosts, led by Quinton de Kock, posted the highest total of 621 in their first innings at this venue. Faf du Plessis�?199 along with contributions from Dean Elgar (95), Keshav Maharaj (73), Temba Bavuma (71) and Aiden Markram (68) helped South Africa record a mammoth total. Earlier, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 396 in their first innings after electing to bat first. The Proteas bundled out the visitors for 180 in their second innings to win the Centurion Test by an innings and 45 runs.

Lowest total

The England cricket team recorded the lowest total at the SuperSport Park in Tests. Chasing 382 in the fourth innings, England were bowled out for 101 in 34.4 overs against South Africa in the final Test of a four-match series in January 2016. James Taylor top-scored for England with 24. For South Africa, pacer Kagiso Rabada was the wrecker-in-chief with six wickets. Earlier, AB de Villiers�?South Africa posted 475 in their first innings after opting to bat first while England managed 342. The hosts declared their second innings at 248/5. Despite South Africa’s 280-run victory in the match, England clinched the series 2-1.

Most runs

Former South Africa batter Hashim Amla has scored the most runs at this ground in cricket’s longest format. Between 2007 and 2018, the right-handed batter accumulated 1,356 runs in 13 matches at an impressive average of 75.33. Amla slammed five centuries and eight fifties at the SuperSport Park in Test cricket. His highest Test score of 208 at the Centurion cricket ground came against the West Indies in 2014. Jacques Kallis features second on the list with 1,267 runs in 16 Tests.

Most wickets

South Africa cricketer Dale Steyn has picked up the most wickets at the SuperSport Park in Test cricket. The former right-arm fast bowler bagged 59 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 17.94 and a strike rate of 31.62. Steyn registered five four-wicket hauls and four fifers at this venue in Tests between 2006 and 2018. Steyn’s former teammate Makhaya Ntini is second on the list with 54 wickets in 10 Tests.

Highest individual score

Hashim Amla also registered the highest individual score at the SuperSport Park in Tests. Batting at number four, captain Hashim Amla scored 208 off 371 balls in the first innings of the opening Test of West Indies�?tour of South Africa in 2014. His magnificent double hundred was laced with 22 fours and helped South Africa post 552/5. West Indies could only manage 201 and 131 in their two innings and lost the Centurion Test by an innings and 220 runs. South Africa won the three-match Test series 2-0.

Best bowling figures in an innings

South Africa’s Kyle Abbott recorded the best bowling figures in an innings of a Test match at this venue in 2013. The right-arm pacer registered figures of 7/29 to bowl out Pakistan for 156 in the first innings. Abbott dismissed Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saeed Ajmal, Ehsan Adil and Mohammad Irfan to bundle out the visitors for a paltry total. South Africa won the Test by an innings and 18 runs.

Best bowling figures in a match

South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada holds the record for the best bowling figures in a Test match at the SuperSport Park. The right-arm fast bowler took 13 wickets during the fourth Test of England’s tour of South Africa in 2016. While Rabada scalped seven wickets for 112 runs in the first innings, he claimed another six wickets for just 32 runs in the second innings. Rabada’s magnificent bowling performance powered South Africa to a 280-run victory.

Highest partnership

South Africa’s Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers recorded the highest partnership at the SuperSport Park in Test cricket. Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers forged a massive 308-run stand for the fourth wicket in the first innings of the first Test against the West Indies in 2014. Amla scored 208 while de Villiers was dismissed for 152.

Photo credit: Alamy

St George's Park Cricket Ground is one of the oldest cricket venues located in Gqeberha, South Africa.

Previously named Port Elizabeth, Gqeberha hosted the first Test to be played outside England or Australia in March 1889. England won the Test by eight wickets.

Situated within sight of the ocean, St George's Park is popular for its brass band that plays during matches.

The iconic ground is home of the Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, one of the oldest cricket clubs in South Africa, the Eastern Province Club and Sunrisers Eastern Cape. 

St George's Park later staged its first one-day international (ODI) between South Africa and India in December 1992. The hosts won by six wickets.

It was selected as one of the 15 venues to host the ICC ODI World Cup in 2003. It hosted five matches during the marquee ICC tournament including three group 

Since December 2007, St George's Park has staged three T20 international matches so far. It also hosted Indian T20 League matches in 2009. 

Let’s have a look at St George's Park T20 records and stats:

St George's Park T20I records and stats

Highest team total

The South Africa cricket team holds the record for the highest team total at St. George's Park in T20 international cricket. During the third T20I of New Zealand’s tour of South Africa in 2012, the Faf du Plessis-led hosts posted 179/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Opening batter Henry Davids�?68 off 51 balls and Justin Ontong’s 30-ball 48 helped South Africa record a great total on the board. South Africa later restricted New Zealand to 146/9 in their 20 overs to register a 33-run victory in Gqeberha. With the win, the hosts clinched the three-match T20I series 2-1.

Lowest team total

New Zealand and Australia have registered the lowest team total at St. George's Park in T20I format. Chasing 180, New Zealand could only manage 146/9 in their 20 overs against South Africa in December 2012. Captain Brendon McCullum was the top-scorer for the Kiwis with 25. In February 2020, Australia recorded 146/6 in their 20 overs while chasing South Africa’s 158/4 in the second T20I of the three-match series. Lungi Ngidi was the wrecker-in-chief for the Proteas as he bagged three wickets for 41 runs in his quota of four overs. 

Most runs

South Africa’s Quinton de Kock has scored the most runs at this cricket venue in T20I cricket. The swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter has amassed 72 runs in two T20Is at an average of 36 and a strike rate of 141.17. Quinton de Kock has slammed one T20I fifty at St. George's Park. Compatriot Henry Davids is second on the list with 68 runs in the only game that he played. 

Most wickets

Legendary South Africa cricketer Dale Steyn currently holds the record for the most wickets at this ground in T20I format. The former right-arm fast bowler scalped four T20I wickets in one match against West Indies in December 2007. Former West Indies pacer Jerome Taylor features second on the list with three T20I wickets at this venue.

Highest individual score

Opening batter Quinton de Kock registered the highest individual score at St. George's Park in T20I cricket. Electing to bat first, captain Quinton de Kock scored 70 off 47 balls against Australia in the second T20I of the three-match series in 2020. His swashbuckling knock was laced with five fours and four sixes. Quinton de Kock’s knock guided South Africa to 158/4 in their allotted overs. The hosts later restricted Australia to 146/6 to win the game by 12 runs in Gqeberha.

Best bowling figures

Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn recorded the best bowling figures at the venue in T20I format. Dale Steyn registered impressive figures of 3-0-9-4 against West Indies in a rain-affected T20I in December 2007. Defending 58, Steyn dismissed Devon Smith, Runako Morton, Marlon Samuels and captain Dwayne Bravo to reduce West Indies to 41/5 in the first six overs. Despite Steyn’s brilliant spell, West Indies later chased down the target in 9.5 overs to register a five-wicket win.

Highest partnership

South Africa’s Justin Ontong and Henry Davids hold the record for the highest partnership at St. George's Park in T20I cricket. Justin Ontong and Henry Davids stitched an 89-run partnership for the third wicket against New Zealand in the third T20I in 2012. Davids scored 68 while Ontong smashed a quick-fire 48 to power South Africa to 179/6 in their 20 overs. The hosts won the match by 33 runs to claim the three-match series 2-1.

Photo credit: Alamy

Reverse swing in cricket is said to have originated in Pakistan and invented by former First-Class cricketer Salim Mir, who mastered the art while playing for Punjab Cricket Club in Lahore.   

Mir later shared the skills with his former teammate Sarfraz Nawaz, who brought the craft of reverse swing to the international stage during the late 1970s.

Over the years, several Pakistan pacers including 1992 World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis used reverse swing to their advantage to torment opposition batters. 

Apart from the Pakistan fast bowlers, pacers from other cricketing nations, the likes of Dale Steyn, Andrew Flintoff, James Anderson, Zaheer Khan, Mohammed Shami, Brett Lee, Jasprit Bumrah and Neil Wagner have acquired the expertise of reverse swing to deceive the batters.

But what is reverse swing in cricket? Here’s a closer look at the art of reverse swing, which has left plenty of batters bewildered due to the ball’s movement over the years.

What is reverse swing in cricket?

Reverse swing in cricket refers to a phenomenon when a fast bowler gets to swing the ball in an opposite direction as compared to his conventional or expected swing.

The occurrence of reverse swing only takes place when the ball is very old (at least 35-40 overs old) and has lost its shine on one side. In order to reverse swing, the players have to make sure that the one side of the ball is shiny, while the other side is rough.

If a bowler manages to master the craft of reverse swing, a natural outswinger becomes an inswinger, while an inswinger becomes an outswinger. The old ball will swing in the opposite direction towards where the shiny side is.

How to reverse swing a cricket ball?

Reverse swing is an art in cricket. It requires proper team effort to achieve the results. 

Before COVID-19 pandemic, cricketers were allowed to use saliva to shine the ball. They used to spit on the ball and later rub the ball on their thighs to keep one side of the ball shiny in order to help the bowlers get some reverse swing.

However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a permanent ban on use of saliva as a preventive measure against the spread of Coronavirus. This measure has certainly affected bowlers in achieving the desired result of reverse swing.

In order to achieve this phenomenon, the seam of the ball also needs to be presented in a certain way. The bowler needs to hold the ball with the seam pointing towards the slips, and also released with a slightly angled seam.

Additionally, in case of a dry pitch and rough outfield, there are more chances of reverse swing.

In a few previous instances, cricketers have been involved in ball tampering in order to achieve reverse swing and affect the outcome of the game. Once found guilty, these cricketers have been punished by the cricket’s world governing body.

South African pacer Dale Steyn announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Tuesday to bring an end to his illustrious career that spanned over 17 years. He had already retired from Test cricket in 2019 to prolong his career in the limited-overs format.

Steyn first announced himself on the international stage as a young 21-year-old prodigy during England’s Test tour of South Africa in 2004. A year later, he made his ODI debut for Africa XI against Asia XI at Centurion. 

The veteran pacer took to Twitter to announce his decision, summing up his journey as a bitter sweet affair. 

"It's been 20 years of training, matches, travel, wins, losses, strapped feet, jet lag, joy, and brotherhood. There are too many memories to tell. Too many faces to thank," Steyn wrote, quoting lines from rock band Counting Crows' song A Long December. 

Announcement. pic.twitter.com/ZvOoeFkp8w

�?Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) August 31, 2021

"Today I officially retire from the game I love the most. Bitter sweet but grateful.

"Thank you to everyone, from family to teammates, journalists to fans, it's been an incredible journey together."

Steyn played 93 Test matches for South Africa and is the fastest bowler to reach 400 Test wickets (80 matches). He retired with 439 wickets in the longest format. Since making his limited-overs debut in 2005, Steyn would go on to play 125 ODIs and 47 T20I, picking 196 and 64 wickets respectively.

Steyn was a constant fixture in franchise cricket as well, representing the likes of Team Deccan, Team Bangalore, Team Hyderabad and Gujarat in the Indian T20 League. 

Great player, great man, amazing memories! U picker a good song to sign off my bud. Legend forever!

�?AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) August 31, 2021

He also played for Brisbane Heat, Jamaica Tallawahs, Cape Town Knight Riders, Cape Town Blitz, Glasgow Giants, Melbourne Stars, Islamabad United, Kandy Tuskers and Quetta Gladiators.

In January 2021, he made himself unavailable for Team Bangalore for Indian T20 League 2021 but said that he wasn’t retiring. In March, he went on to play in the Pakistan Super League.

The pacer was in and out of the game in the latter years of his career owing to constant injuries. He also missed the 2019 Cricket World Cup and his most recent cricketing involvement came for the Quetta Gladiators against Multan Sultans at the PSL in March.

Featured photo: AFP / William West

Taking wickets in Test cricket at regular intervals is one of the most difficult feats to achieve, given the relentless precision and prolonged patience it demands from a bowler. 

And it precisely points out the magnanimity of Ravichandran Ashwin’s achievement in the pink ball Test played between India and England at the new Motera Stadium.

However, the Indian spinner isn’t the only one to reach that milestone as the history of cricket has encountered some of the finest turners of the game over the years. We look at four such bowlers who breached the 400-wickets mark in red-ball cricket in a short time.

Muttiah Muralitharan

Sri Lanka’s very own ‘Wizard of Oz�?is revered as the numero uno in the all-time Test wicket-takers list with 800 wickets. He is also the quickest to 400 Test wickets and the youngest bowler ever to achieve this feat.

In January 2002, at 29 years of age, Muralitharan registered figures of 5/67 against Zimbabwe in his 72nd career Test match, and his 400th victim was fast bowler Henry Olonga.

Nicknamed the ‘Smiling Assasin,�?the Sri Lankan icon went on to play 133 Tests and registered 67 five-wicket hauls, and 22 ten-wicket hauls to his name. While his bowling action was unorthodox, Muralitharan often left spectators speechless with his temperament and quick ability to take wickets in precarious situations.

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin added a new chapter to his historic folklore as he became the second-fastest to 400 Test scalps in the third Test against England, in his 77th game.

The 34-year-old, fastest to 200, 250, and 300 Test wickets, hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down in the format where he debuted with match figures of 9/128 against West Indies in 2011.

A major milestone for India’s spin king R Ashwin #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/QbXdiD8fYO

�?ICC (@ICC) February 25, 2021

With 29 five-wicket hauls to his name, Ashwin is also the second-highest wicket-taker in home Tests - 278 wickets in 46 Tests. Once criticized for prioritizing variations over stock balls, the spinner has since become a vital cog in Team India’s bowling setup in the gentleman’s game.

With an average of 24.95, Ashwin continues to be a pillar of strength and a catalyst of victory for a team that is the current leader in the ICC World Test Championship.

Sir Richard Hadlee

Sir Richard Hadlee’s legendary Test cricket career spanned over 17 years from 1973 to 1990, but what sets him apart from the other mentions in this list is that he is the first to take 400 wickets in red-ball cricket

Hadlee, a fast bowler by right, didn’t have the pace levels that his peers Dennis Lillee and Malcolm Marshall often commanded in their spells. However, what sets him apart was his ability to blend accurate bowling with sheer intelligence and always out-think the batsman at the other end.

The New Zealand all-rounder took 80 Tests to breach the 400-wicket mark in the gentleman’s game, having achieved it in the 1990 Test against the Indian cricket team at Christchurch. He retired with 431 wickets at an eye-catching economy rate of 2.63. 

Dale Steyn

A modern-day legend, Dale Steyn entered the 400 wickets club in his 80th Test game for South Africa but is one of the stellar talents whose career tumbled due to injuries and fitness concerns.

Steyn’s hunger for wickets has been the central point of his success with the Proteas, and while he is the second bowler after Shaun Pollock to achieve the feat, the now-retired pacer bowled the least deliveries - 16634 balls - to his 400th Test scalp.

One doesn’t often find a quality pacer who could withstand any conditions available to a swing bowler, but in Dale Steyn, South Africa found a match-winner and someone who continued the valued art of reverse-swing, which was propagated by Wasim Akram.

Steyn�?Test career stats read as 439 wickets in 93 Tests, with 26 five-wicket hauls and five 10-wicket hauls.

Feature image courtesy: Sportsadda

South Africa pace bowler Dale Steyn‘s absence in the 2021 Indian T20 League serves as a timely blow to the Bangalore team, who now lack the intimidating factor in their ranks.

Steyn, who made his debut for the franchise in 2008 and returned in 2019, endured a horrid season in the 2020 edition as he took a solitary wicket in just three appearances.

As far as his career numbers in the Indian T20 League are concerned, the 37-year-old has featured in 95 matches and has bagged 97 wickets at an economy rate of 6.91. Judging by these figures, one can safely say that Steyn has fared well as a marquee pacer in the T20 extravaganza.

With as many as four Indian pace bowlers on their roster, it is to be seen whether Bangalore opts for a full-fledged overseas pacer or consider a formidable bowling all-rounder.

We identify four potential candidates who could fill the void left behind by Dale Steyn.

Mitchell Starc

T20 stats: Matches 98, Wickets 144, Economy rate 7.16

Australia’s Mitchell Starc has been one of the X-factor bowlers in the T20 circuit, and his unique bowling abilities in the middle and death overs will be an asset for Bangalore in the Indian T20 League 2021.

Starc had last featured in the competition in 2015, where he bagged 20 wickets in 13 matches. The left-arm pacer, whose career stats read as 34 wickets in 27 matches, has opted out of multiple editions due to hectic calendar years.

The 2021 edition could witness the return of Starc in the cash-rich tournament as a like-for-like fast bowling replacement for Dale Steyn, while complementing Sri Lanka’s Isuru Udana as a left-arm bowling option in the Bangalore bowling unit.

Kane Richardson

T20 stats: Matches 117, Wickets 139, Economy rate 7.87

 

 

Kane Richardson, like Mitchell Starc, has made limited appearances in the Indian T20 League but has showcased his worth on his day. The 29-year-old, who was signed by Bangalore in the 2020 auctions, pulled out due to personal reasons but is likely to return to the fold in the upcoming edition.

Richardson was influential in Australia’s rise up to No. 1 in the ICC T20I rankings, claiming 13 wickets in 11 matches. The right-arm fast-medium bowler has played 14 games in the Indian T20 League, scalping 18 wickets at an economy rate of 8.38, and stands out as one of the preferred choices to replace Steyn, given the Aussie is familiar with the team’s bowling prowess.

Mustafizur Rahman

T20 stats: Matches 121, Wickets 162, Economy rate 7.23

Mustafizur Rahman is fondly remembered as the first overseas player to win the ‘Emerging Player of the Tournament�?award, and also his impactful performance of 17 wickets in 16 games that propelled Hyderabad to the 2016 title.

The 25-year-old, who has featured in three Indian T20 League campaigns, is greatly revered for his ability to soak in the pressure well and bowl off-cutters that keep batsmen rather unsettled.

While injuries have plagued his career, Mustafizur has bagged 24 scalps in 24 appearances in the T20 extravaganza and eyes a comeback in the 2021 edition, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) denied him a NOC to participate in the 2020 Indian T20 League.

Kyle Jamieson

T20 stats: Matches 33, Wickets 49, Economy rate 7.96

New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson is the only fresh face in our list of candidates to replace Dale Steyn, and considering the potential he carries, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Bangalore splashes out a hefty amount to sign the 26-year-old.

Jamieson was one of the breakthrough stars in 2020, mostly in the Test format, but his bowling variations and ability to handle pressure situations has earmarked him as a potential matchwinner.

The Auckland-born all-rounder is yet to feature in the Indian T20 League, and amongst the list of potential destinations, Bangalore seems to be a perfect hub to kick off his journey. Like Steyn, Jamieson imposes his authority in the death overs and his towering physique will play a role in generating bounce and pitch-perfect bowling lengths.

Kyle Jamieson’s 6/7 in a 2019 Super Smash fixture for Canterbury is one of the most remarkable bowling performances in T20 cricket, and Indian cricket fans will expect the Kiwi international to showcase his tenacity as a replacement for Dale Steyn at Bangalore.

Feature Image Courtesy: AFP / Marty Melville

South Africa pace bowler Dale Steyn has announced that he won’t take part in the 2021 edition of the Indian T20 League.

Taking to Twitter, the 37-year-old stated that he intends to take some time off from cricket, however, the Bangalore pacer added that he was not retiring.

“Just a short message to let everyone know that I’ve made myself unavailable for RCB at this year’s IPL. I’m also not planning on playing for another team, just taking some time off during that period. Thank you to RCB for understanding. No I’m not retired.�?Steyn tweeted.

Cricket tweet

Just a short message to let everyone know that I’ve made myself unavailable for RCB at this years IPL, I’m also not planning on playing for another team, just taking some time off during that period.

Thank you to RCB for understanding.

No I’m not retired.

�?Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) January 2, 2021

Interestingly, the right-arm fast bowler had earlier retired from Test cricket in August 2019 to prolong his limited-overs career.

Meanwhile, in his second tweet, Steyn put out his intention to play in other franchise leagues.

“I will be playing in other leagues, nicely spaced out to give myself an opportunity to do something’s I’ve been excited about as well as continue to play the game I love so much. NO, I’m NOT retired. Here’s to a great 2021.”�?/span>

I will be playing in other leagues, nicely spaced out to give myself a opportunity to do something’s I’ve been excited about as well as continue to play the game I love so much.

NO, I’m NOT retired.

Here’s to a great 2021

�?Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) January 2, 2021

Dale Steyn made his Indian T20 League debut with Bangalore in 2008 and was initially bought back by the franchise in 2019 as an injury replacement for Nathan Coulter-Nile.

At the auctions for the 2020 edition, the South African was purchased for two crore rupees but the move went downhill as Steyn featured just three times, claiming one wicket and conceding 10 runs per over.

Bangalore reacted warmly to Steyn’s announcement and thanked him for his contributions. “You will be missed, Dale Steyn! Thank you for the memories and keep rooting for us.�?/span>

You will be missed, Dale Steyn! Thank you for the memories and keep rooting for us. http://t.co/7b4WZ348wZ

�?Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) January 2, 2021

Last year, Dale Steyn was included in South Africa’s T20I series against England and he ironed out his desire to play in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup/

Feature image courtesy: Manjunath KIRAN / AFP

While each new Indian T20 League season introduces exciting new talent showcasing their game on the grandest T20 league of them all, it also brings down the curtain on old favourites who finally decide to call it time on their career, or worse, the teams make the decision for them.

Here, we look at five players for whom the 2020 edition might be their last Indian T20 League season.

Chris Gayle

There's not much left to be said about the flamboyant personality that is Chris Gayle. One of the best examples of walking the talk, the 'Universe Boss' was once one of the most entertaining openers in the Indian T20 League, and as he showed in his comeback match in 2020, can still get it done. However, he is no longer at his prime (he turned 41 in September) and the interest in his services has waned, as evident during the auctions when just one team was going after him.

Shane Watson

It's been four years since Shane Watson stopped playing for Australia but his T20 career has been running on all cylinders. Having competed in all but one season of the Indian T20 League, he has been the most valuable players twice. However, his versatility took a hit when he switched to batting only, and a poor 2019 led many into predicting that 2020 would be his swan song. But Chennai have been known to stick it out with their players through thick and thin, so the call remains with Watson, we suppose.

Dale Steyn

The 'Steyn Gun' Dale Steyn is one of the most legendary pacers in the annals of cricket history and always give it both barrels every time he runs up to bowl. However, that has also seen him be prone to injury in recent years, including during the 2019 Indian T20 League season. With the postponed T20 World Cup 2021 looming next year, the South African might just decide to give the 2021 Indian T20 League season a miss in order to keep himself in ship-shape for the international competition.

Imran Tahir

Another South African bowler, Imran Tahir is cresting the fag end of his illustrious career. Despite his 42 years of age, the leg-spinner still sprights around without a care in the world every time he bags a wicket. He is also quite active in the international cricket scene. However, with age, form tends to slip away, and for the man we've yet to see play a game during the ongoing season, we might just have a longer wait still if he or the team decides it's time to call it a career at the end of this year.

MS Dhoni

2011 World Cup and three-time Indian T20 League-winning captain MS Dhoni has been almost as synonymous with the men in yellow as he is with the men in blue. However, with him calling time on his national duties this year, many feel the 2020 Indian T20 League season might be his last, with some in the know suggesting he could take over a management role at Chennai and guide the team's future ahead. Certainly, with the 2020 season shaping to be one to forget for the three-time champions, along with the disgusting threats toward Dhoni's young family by unhappy 'fans' of the squad, one would understand, whatever his decision.

Feature image courtesy: Twitter.com / Indian T20 League