Dale Steyn's Surpasses Kapil Dev's Record

South Africa pacer Dale Steyn, on Thursday, surpassed legendary allrounder Kapil Dev to take the eighth spot in the list of all time leading wicket-takers in Test cricket. Steyn achieved the incredible milestone on day of the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka in Durban.

The right-arm pacer came into day two level with the former India skipper. He struck in his very second over to remove Oshada Fernando to take his Test wickets tally to 435 and pipped Kapil Dev in the all-time list of Test wicket-takers. Steyn is already the leading wicket-taker for South Africa in the longest format of the game. He had broken Shaun Pollock’s record during the series against Pakistan in December.

Among current players only England duo James Anderson (575) and Stuart Broad (437) are ahead of Steyn. With still a long way to go in the game, the Proteas star could surpass Broad too. The all-time list, meanwhile, is led by the troika of legendary spinners – Muttiah Muralitharan with 800, Shane Warne with 708 and Anil Kumble with 619 wickets.

Here is the list of top ten bowlers with most Test wickets:

South Africa, meanwhile, have made a fine start to the day after being put on the backfoot on day one. Sri Lanka bowled out the Proteas for a modest 235.  South Africa kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and were in danger of getting all out for less than 200. However, an 80-run knock from Quinton de Kock helped them post 235. For Sri Lanka, Vishwa Fernando was the most successful bowler, picking up 4 wickets.

In reply, the visitors ended the day on 49 for 1 with Dale Steyn picking up the one wicket of Lahiru Thirimanne that fell. However, the veteran pacer has struck early on day two to turn the game on its head.