Dale Steyn becomes South Africa’s leading Test wicket-taker

Dale Steyn became on Wednesday South Africa’s leading Test wicket-taker after dismissing Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman as his 422nd victim in the first encounter at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

Zaman’s dismissal helped Steyn pass Shaun Pollock, whose record had stood since he quit in 2008.

Steyn, 35, achieved the record in 89 matches, at an average of 22.60, while Pollock averaged 23.11 across 108 matches.

Pollock congratulates Steyn

Pollock was among the first to congratulate Steyn, having been on air commentating the Test between South Africa and Pakistan and later sending a personal message.

“A heartfelt congratulations to Dale,” Pollock wrote on social media. “He's been a fantastic bowler for SA for so long. His performances both home and away have been remarkable in so many ways.

“The fact that he is the best Test fast bowler that SA has produced, doesn't require my endorsement as his stats and record tell you that.

“He's fully deserving of holding the record for most Test wickets and I hope he goes on to take many more and continues winning games for the Proteas.”

Steyn is now 11th on the all-time list, which is led by Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who took 800 Test wickets, while England’s James Anderson is the leading fast bowler, having taken 565 wickets.

At the SuperSport Park, Duanne Olivier took six for 37 as the tourists were bowled out for 181 in 47 overs on the opening day of the three-match series. South Africa were restricted to 127 for five in response.