Cricket World Player of the Week - Dale Steyn and Brendon McCullum

by Saksham Mishra Friday 9 August 2019

Dale Steyn and Brendon McCullum

©CWM

Cricket is poorer after two legends of the game, Dale Steyn and Brendon McCullum decided to move on this week.

While Dale Steyn announced his retirement from Test cricket, Brendon McCullum who had already hung his boots from international cricket, decided to retire from all forms including the T20 leagues.

McCullum was supposed to be Glasgow Giants' icon player in the upcoming Euro Slam but he won't participate in the tournament now.

Steyn is one player who really wanted to play longer and pushed his limits because of the same, but his body did not just allow him to come back on the park. The quick recently overtook Shane Pollock to become the highest wicket-taker for South Africa in Test matches.

However, Steyn's body broke down several times after that. He was scheduled to be a part of South Africa's World Cup team but his persistent shoulder trouble shattered his dreams.

As for Baz, apart from his immense contribution to the New Zealand team for nurturing a pro-active and never say die attitude, McCullum has a huge contribution to the growth T20 cricket across the world.

McCullum was the one who slammed a century in the first-ever IPL match and the popularity of the tournament then led other such leagues across the world to germinate and prosper.

Hashim Amla also bid goodbye to all forms of international cricket this week.

Dale Steyn

439 wickets from 93 matches at 22.9 in Tests

196 wickets from 125 matches at 25.9 in ODIs

61 wickets from 44 matches at 17.5 in T20Is

Brendon McCullum

6453 runs from 101 matches at 38.6 in Tests

6083 runs from 260 matches at 30.4 in ODIs

2140 runs from 71 matches at 35.7 in T20Is