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Ntini heaps praise on Steyn

Cape Town - Makhaya Ntini says Dale Steyn should comfortably surpass Shaun Pollock as South Africa's most decorated wicket-taker in Test cricket.

Fresh off a six wicket haul against the West Indies in the first Test in Centurion last weekend, the Proteas' premier fast bowler is poised to overtake Ntini as South Africa's second-highest wicket-taker.

Steyn claimed 6/34 in the second innings against the tourists as South Africa romped to an innings and 220 run victory, and in the process moved to 389 wickets in the longest format of the game.

Steyn is now only one wicket behind Ntini's 390, which he achieved in 101 matches at an average of 28.82.

Steyn has played only 76 Tests for his 389 wickets at an average of 22.44, and according to Ntini, he should surpass Pollock, who claimed 421 wickets in 108 Tests at an impressive average of 23.11.

"He'll be chasing Shaun Pollock after that for the number one spot, he's got a lot of time to do that," Ntini told SAPA.

Ntini also said he would be congratulating Steyn when he breaks his record, which could be in the second Test against the Windies starting in Port Elizabeth on Boxing Day.

"I wish him good luck, and I'll be the first person to congratulate him. You can't keep the records forever, you know someone is going to break them.

"Seeing someone breaking a record is exciting, and I'll be honoured when Dale Steyn passes me."

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