Temba Bavuma paid tribute to Dale Steyn following the fast bowler's retirement from all forms of international cricket.
38-year-old Dale Steyn is currently the Proteas’ all-time highest wicket-taker in Tests with 493 scalps in 93 appearances.
Bavuma made his Test debut for the Proteas in 2014 and said Steyn was one of the players that welcomed him into the national side.
Speaking from Sri Lanka where the Proteas are gearing up for a three-match ODI series, Bavuma said: “I had the pleasure of playing with Dale and when I joined the team he was one of the senior players.
“He was one of the guys who welcomed me and made me feel part and that I belonged in the team.
“His achievements and statistics obviously speak for themselves. He’s a legend – a GOAT as the guys would call him. I obviously wish him well in his future endeavours.
“He’s definitely had an impact and played a role for us younger guys who have come into the team.
“We’ll be trying our best to keep on the legacy that he’s left behind.”
The first of three ODIs between the Proteas and Sri Lanka is set to take place in Colombo on Thursday with teams also scheduled to tackle each other in three T20s following the 50-overs games.
