'No time for you as a human': Cricket great Dale Steyn slams Simon Doull over 'mid-life crisis' swipe

South African cricket icon Dale Steyn, right, has fired back at former NZ bowler Simon Doull following a bizarre "mid-life crisis" swipe in commentary. Photo / news.com.au

South African cricket icon Dale Steyn has fired back at former New Zealand bowler Simon Doull following a bizarre "mid-life crisis" swipe in commentary.

Representing the Quetta Gladiators on Friday evening, the 37-year-old Steyn claimed 2/44 in a three-wicket loss to Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League, his first professional match since early December.

While Steyn sat in the dressing room during the first innings, Doull remarked on the South African's shoulder-length hair, which he had grown during the Covid lockdown.

"A little mid-life crisis with that hair," Doull said in commentary.

England great David Gower replied: "Lockdown hair."

Question
Which commentator said I have a mid life crisis?

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) February 27, 2021

Steyn did not take kindly to the remarks, voicing his disgust on social media.

"If your job is to talk about the game, then do that," Steyn tweeted on Saturday evening.

"But if you use that airtime to abuse anyone for their weight, sexual choices, ethnic backgrounds, lifestyle etc or even hairstyles, then I'm afraid I have no time for you as a human.

"You and anyone else like that to be fair.

"That's all I have to say.

"It was a great time last night, fantastic to play in front of crowds again, cricket is so much better that way.

"We lost but hopeful to pull it together in our remaining games.

"Thanks for the support. Have a great weekend everyone."

Simon Doull (pictured) said Dale Steyn’s visual appearance makes him look like a man having a midlife crisis. To emphasise, that joke came from Simon Doull (pictured). https://t.co/vcZnLxqzhB pic.twitter.com/TRHa8I7ATC

— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) February 27, 2021

Good to see #DaleSteyn speak up against this issue! Off late, the quality of cricket commentary has degraded quite a bit. Barring a few genuine, cricket focused commentators; there are some who discuss anything & everything, but the actual game. Personal digs are so not cool! https://t.co/GTNhMB7LIx

— Priya Adivarekar (@priyaadivarekar) February 27, 2021

Steyn was South Africa's highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, finishing his international career with 439 scalps at a remarkable average of 22.95.

Doull played 74 matches for New Zealand in a career plagued by injury, claiming 134 international wickets.