Arguably the greatest fast bowler of all time, Dale Steyn announced his retirement from all forms of cricket earlier on Tuesday.

Steyn picked up 439 Test wickets at an average of 22.95, 196 ODI wickets @ 25.95, and 64 T20I wickets at 18.35. Including his domestic career, Steyn finished with a total of 1,165 professional wickets.

His retirement, which was announced on Twitter, was met with a flood of appreciation as thousands — players and fans alike — showed their appreciation for one of the best bowlers of all time.

The Best. ❤️

— James Anderson (@jimmy9) August 31, 2021

35 bowlers have taken 300+ Test wickets. No one among them has a better strike-rate than Dale Steyn (42.3). That's a wicket after every 7 overs. The greatest bowler of this generation has called it a day. Thanks for making us love cricket and happy retirement, @DaleSteyn62

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) August 31, 2021

An all-time great. All the best, @DaleSteyn62 🌟 https://t.co/n6p7E1Urlb

— ICC (@ICC) August 31, 2021

There are many who’ve made fast bowling exciting. @DaleSteyn62 made fast bowling sexy #DaleSteyn #Legend

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) August 31, 2021

Many players, teammates, and greats of the game also paid tribute.

“Bitter sweet” is the right way to sum up a great fast bowler’s career,@DaleSteyn62 . We have witnessed a fierce bowler in you, whose bowling feats will inspire the future generations. Congratulations on a wonderful career buddy and best wishes for whatever you do in future.

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) August 31, 2021

My favourite all time 🙏🏾 good luck legend @DaleSteyn62 https://t.co/EoUTuPZz7w

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) August 31, 2021

It’s been a pleasure to play alongside the 🐐. All the best for your future! @DaleSteyn62 pic.twitter.com/FewWkt5OvQ

— Kagiso Rabada (@KagisoRabada25) August 31, 2021

You're one of a kind @DaleSteyn62.
In those two years that I played with you in the same team in IPL, I had a lot of fun.
You're an even better person off the field. Good luck for the life on the other side.
Cheers!

— DK (@DineshKarthik) August 31, 2021

Congrats on an unbelievable career Dalo!

U truly were a super saiyen in the world of cricket for a long long time!

What u achieved in ur career is something many would not even dream of trying to achieve

Wish you all the best in whatever life has in store for u @DaleSteyn62 ❤ pic.twitter.com/i8EE7t2HWN

— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) August 31, 2021

Happy retirement @DaleSteyn62 Outstanding career and achievements. Best wishes in your second innings. #Legend

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 31, 2021

Learned so much by just watching @DaleSteyn62. Absolute legend! All the best and keep those crazy eyes going. pic.twitter.com/GOIRIFiDej

— Anrich Nortje (@AnrichNortje02) August 31, 2021

And finally, we were treated to numerous highlight reels of some of the South African’s finest moments with ball-in-hand.

Dale Steyn destroying Brad Haddin’s middle stump twice in the same game.

The Greatest. 🐐🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/SIVDennylv

— Cricket District 🏏 (@cricketdistrict) August 31, 2021

Wishing you a very happy retirement, @DaleSteyn62!

What a player 👏👏👏pic.twitter.com/9HQpPtX4tT

— Cricket Mate. (@CricketMate_) August 31, 2021

Streets won't forget this onslaught 🐐 @DaleSteyn62 pic.twitter.com/MJ2KEYfvTO

— Ryan (@RyanIke4) August 31, 2021

The famous ball on debut

What made Steyn truly great was that he retained the elements of this delivery – ability to bowl full, swing the ball, pace, accuracy – through his career while adding other things. Hallmark of a true great.

@robelinda2pic.twitter.com/fFqF9U7s7o

— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) August 31, 2021