Cape Town - Former Proteas fast bowler Shaun Pollock says quickie Dale Steyn is the best bowler that South Africa has ever produced.

Steyn became the second-fastest bowler in the history of Test cricket to get to 250 wickets when he dismissed Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan in the recent match at SuperSport Park. He reached the milestone in 49 Tests, only trailing Australian great Dennis Lillee, who reached 250 wickets in 48 Tests.

"There's for me no doubt that he's the best South African bowler that we've seen thus far - at least since readmission in 1991. I didn't see any of the guys from way back, but his record speaks for itself," Pollock told the Rapport newspaper.

"His ability to swing the ball away with incredible pace is phenomenal and not something you'll find every day.

"The fact that Dale so nearly equalled Lillee's record proves his quality," said Pollock.

And Pollock, the Proteas' all-time leading Test wicket-taker with 421, is convinced Steyn - who now stands on Test 255 scalps after the weekend's clash - will comfortably overhaul his record.

"I'm convinced that Dale will crush the record, especially if he can remain injury-free over the next couple of years."

Pollock feels Steyn, 28, has at least five more years left at the very top of the game.