Steyn captures 300th Test wicket

South African fast bowler Dale Steyn (left) at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on December 21, 2012. Steyn captures his 300th Test wicket bowling to Doug Bracewell on the first morning of the first Test against New Zealand.

CAPE TOWN - South African fast bowler Dale Steyn captured his 300th Test wicket when he bowled Doug Bracewell on the first morning of the first Test against New Zealand at Newlands on Wednesday.

Steyn, 29, was playing in his 61st Test. Only Australia’s Dennis Lillee, who achieved the feat in his 56th Test, and Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka (58) have reached the milestone in fewer matches.

Steyn, currently the world’s number one ranked Test bowler, joined West Indian Malcolm Marshall and New Zealand’s Richard Hadlee in taking 300 wickets in 61 matches.

“It’s an unbelievable achievement,” said South African captain Graeme Smith before the match.

“He’s our go-to guy. He’s got there really quickly. He always seems to make an impact for us. He’s the type of guy as a captain he’s an asset to have. You can throw him the ball and you know he’ll make a play for you somewhere during the Test match.

“When he gets that bit between his teeth you really start to see things happening.”

Steyn had to wait until the third ball of his second spell to take his first wicket of the match and was overshadowed by new ball partner Vernon Philander who took the first five wickets at a cost of four runs.

Steyn’s strike reduced the tourists to 31 for seven after they won the toss.