Hashim Amla pens poem in tribute to Proteas legend Dale Steyn

Former Proteas great Hashim Amla has penned a poetic tribute to former team-mate – and another Proteas legend – Dale Steyn after the fast bowler announced his retirement from cricket this week.

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Steyn, now 38, called time on his illustrious international career on Monday having taken 439 Test wickets in 93 matches. 

He also claimed 196 wickets in 125 ODIs and 64 wickets in 47 T20Is for South Africa.

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Tributes predictably flooded in from all over the world for South Africa’s leading Test wicket-taker who now has more time on his hands to relax.

We’re not 100% certain, but we’re pretty darn sure he’s currently catching a wave at Muizenberg!

Meanwhile, Hashim Amla, who retired from the international arena in August 2019, took to Instagram to post his own message in the form of a poem. 

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“The game is tense no…it is high voltage electric.

“I receive the ball from the cover fielder. I’m at mid off. I gather the little sweat that sprinkles my brow. The heat is saying hello but not kindly.

“I moisten the shiny side whilst walking towards the bowler who is already at the top of his mark. I look down, clench my eyelids and muscles to give the ball a final shine. I flick the ball to the bowler.

“Lean, athletic and lethal. Our eyes lock..the eyes of Dale Steyn. No ordinary eyes.‘Keep going dalo’ I say casually. He does not hear nor see me.

“Thousands are chanting his name…he does not hear nor see them. I hear him though.

“Those eyes. The mirror to the soul.

“Speak: ‘I have come from humble beginnings. Lived and saw difficulties. No fancy school to swell my ego. But I will give everything I have to make a play for us and the country. I want this. Those tough times have strengthened my spirit. That simple school gave me my natural beautiful action and those humble beginnings remind me never to take it all for granted, work hard and enjoy it till the end.’

“The timber is rattled. The play is made. The game is won. This reel. On a loop. For a decade and more.

“The legend will always be.. till the end.

“Congrats Dale. Its been an honour my friend.”