Dale Steyn is by some distance the best fast bowler in the world today.
Of those that have taken over 100 wickets, Steyn has the second highest strike rate in Test history with a wicket every 39.6 balls.
Perhaps the biggest compliment we can give him is that he would have been good enough to get into the West Indian pace attack of the 1970s and 1980s.
Steyn's full armoury was on show at Newlands today as he swung the ball both ways with express pace and real menace.
He likes his duels in Cape Town too. Two years ago it was Paul Collingwood as Steyn delivered a staggeringly good spell with the new ball that even Collingwood in full match-saving mode could not fathom how he didn't lose his wicket.
Earlier this year it was Sachin Tendulkar as two masters of their art went head-to-head in an absorbing battle.
Today it was Michael Clarke, as Steyn subjected him to a torrid start: peppering him with the short-ball, troubling the Australian captain with every delivery and firing off several volleys of abuse in Clarke's direction.
It was riveting and an example of Test cricket at its absolute best. And so was Clarke's response as he first fended Steyn off and then produced the finest Test innings and hundred he ever has or ever will make.
Steyn's stupendous bowling and Clarke's splendid response makes it an even bigger travesty that this is a 'series' comprising just two Test matches.
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I'm just glad that twatto's figures don't look all that great now #notawatsonfan.
Steyn was by and far the best bowler of this test. To be held along the lines of Malcolm Marshall - well, you pretty much require every area of fast bowling covered. Makes for great viewing.
Posted by: AB | Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 16:43
That is an incredible stat you've gleamed.
Although the figures don't really suggest it, Steyn was down on pace and slightly off in the 2nd innings. He gave SO much in the first innings, he'd have though he'd get more than 2 hours recovery time with SA's stoic batting lineup.
Posted by: Dave | Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 22:48
Don't forget Steyn's 9 not out in SA's 1st innings!!
Posted by: The Reverse Sweep | Monday, November 14, 2011 at 09:19