Craig says, Dale Steyn

When I think of Dale Steyn I think of three things: cartwheeling stumps, fist-pumps and blood vessels on the brink of bursting. 

It’s important to establish from the outset that my opinion of Steyn is based largely on his exploits with the red ball. What I loved about him in his pomp was his uncanny knack for nabbing a wicket or two inside the first half-hour of an innings. His ability to get just enough movement through the air – coupled with his oft-uncomfortable pace – made him a daunting prospect for even batsmen of the highest calibre.

Adaptability too makes him the most potent speedster we’ve ever had. While many fast-bowlers are rendered ineffective on sub-continent tracks, Steyn thrived. In the 2008 Test series in India, he bowled superbly to finish with 15 wickets at a sensational average of 20.20.

His first-innings five-for and match-haul of 8-114 in the second Test laid the platform for a handsome Proteas victory. 

His best sub-continental performance in my book, however, came in 2010 when the Phalaborwa Express tore through the Indian middle and lower order to turn in one of the most memorable displays of his career.

His ability to get prodigious movement off a lifeless pitch will live long in the memory. Seven wickets and 51 runs later, the Indian’s race was all but run in Nagpur.

Early in the morning, late into the afternoon, at his best he could flick a switch as if at will and spearhead the Proteas attack.

Versatile. Devastating. South Africa’s highest Test wicket-taker. Simply put – Our best ever fast-bowler. 

Alasdair says, Allan Donald

Perhaps it was the fact that my contemporaries in the 1990s tried to be like him on cricket fields and playgrounds across Mzansi but go study Allan Donald’s stats and you’ll discover he is South Africa’s greatest fast bowler.

White Lightning made his unofficial debut for South Africa against the rebel Aussies in 1986. He was young and possessed raw pace.

He then refined his craft on the lush green fields of England, where the Duke ball loves to swing and move off the more pronounced seam.

He almost played for England due to South Africa’s isolation, but Dr Ali Bacher assured him that Nelson Mandela’s pending release would pave the way for the Proteas’ return to international cricket.

By 1991, Donald finally showed his talent to the world with a brilliant 5/29, which included the prized scalp of Sachin Tendulkar, during South Africa’s maiden ODI played in the packed cauldron of an unforgiving 100 000-full Eden Gardens.

When Donald was in full rhythm, he was a joy to behold with perhaps the most unplayable yorker in the history of cricket. Throughout the decade he would answer the call and break a big partnership when his captain needed him the most.

White Lightning missed out on five years of international cricket but he was exceptional in both formats.

He claimed 330 wickets in only 72 Tests at a jaw-dropping average of 22.25 and is still the Proteas’ second-highest ODI wicket-taker with 272 wickets in 164 ODIs at an average of 21.78. He is SA’s greatest.