“I could look in the dictionary for a million adjectives to describe him, but I think it suffices to say that it was a great performance by a great bowler”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

South Africa Test captain Hashim Amla has branded Dale Steyn as one of the best pace bowlers the country has ever produced following his performance against Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle.

Steyn recorded figures of 9-99 in the match, which is the best bowling figures for a fast bowler at the venue.

In addition to that, Steyn led South Africa to their first Test win over Sri Lanka in 14 years.

“His figures speak for themselves, he bowled excellently,” Amla said. “The lengths he bowled, the pace, the aggression – a great performance from a great bowler.

“I could look in the dictionary for a million adjectives to describe him, but I think it suffices to say that it was a great performance by a great bowler.

“The bowlers were really hungry – Dale and Morne asked for the ball regularly, which was brilliant. We picked up a few early wickets which made it a lot easier to maintain the pressure.”

Steyn credited his record-breaking performance to bowling coach Allan Donald.

“I actually watched a couple of his videos before I bowled in this test,” Steyn said. “He’s always telling us how good we are and what legends we are – it must take a bit out of him to do that because he was a legend himself.

“For him to say those things to youngsters like us, I really appreciate that. The wickets are for the whole country but I’d like to say thank you to him.”