Johannesburg – Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn has been named Wisden’s Leading Cricketer of the Year for 2013.
The 2014 edition of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack was published on Wednesday.
“South African fast bowler Dale Steyn is Wisden's Leading Cricketer in the World for 2013, a year in which he took 51 Test wickets in only nine games at an average of 17,” said Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack editor Lawrence Booth.
“Steyn was scarcely less lethal in one-day internationals, claiming 27 at under 16.
“Most remarkable, perhaps, for a man of his pace, was his meanness – an economy-rate of 3.65 was comfortably the lowest among bowlers to have sent down 100 one-day international overs in 2013.
“Fast, penetrative and parsimonious – it was some combination,” said Booth.
Steyn is the second South African to be selected as Wisden’s Leading Cricketer in the World, after Jacques Kallis in 2007.
In 2013 he was selected as one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year.
“This is a singular and great honour for Dale who has deservedly won just about every accolade available to him in the sport of cricket,” said CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat.
“The whole of South Africa can be proud of what he has achieved today as Wisden’s leading cricketer and the humility he shows is perfect for the world's youth. – Sapa