Published: Dec 23, 2014, 04:25 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 23, 2014, 04:25 PM (IST)
Johannesburg: Dec 23, 2014
South Africa fast bowling spearhead Dale Steyn, who finished a six wicket haul against the West Indies in the first Test in Centurion on Saturday, is set to overtake Makhaya Ntini as the second-highest wicket-taker in Tests for his country. Steyn delivered match figures of 6-34 in the second innings against the tourists as South Africa romped to an innings and 220 run victory. He moved to 389 wickets in the longest format of the game with his six-wicket haul.
Ntini claimed 390 Test wickets in his career from 101 matches at an average of 28.82, but Steyn raced to one behind the mark of Ntini’s in just 76 matches at a remarkable average of 22.44, Sport24 reported.
Ntini said that he wishes Steyn good luck, and added that he would be the first person to congratulate the pace express. He said that one cannot keep the records forever, adding that one knows someone is going to break them. Ntini also said that seeing someone breaking a record is exciting, and he would be honoured when Steyn passes him.
Shaun Pollock, who claimed 421 wickets in his 108 Test career at an impressive average of 23.11, remains the highest wicket-taker in South Africa. Ntini claimed that Steyn would be chasing Pollock after that for the number one spot, adding that the paceman has got a lot of time to do that.
Ntini also claimed that Steyn as the top-ranked Test bowler in the world at the moment, had deservedly reached the summit of the rankings. He said that without a doubt Steyn is the best fast bowler in the world at the moment. Ntini said that Steyn has stayed at number one because he believes the longer he stays there the better it is for his country.
