Morne Morkel to bid adieu to cricket after Australia series
South African fast bowler, Morne Morkel has announced that he is set to retire from international cricket. This comes a big surprise for the cricket fraternity and South Africa, as the player has cited that the series against Australia at home will be his last. The 33-year-old has cited family reasons behind his decision to quit international cricket after an illustrious 12-year career.
Morkel a part of Proteas' 'Fab Four'
Morkel was a part of South Africa's 'Fab Four' in bowling in Test matches. The lanky pacer fills the list alongside Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada. Morkel has been a vital cog in the Proteas set up for the last decade and contributed immensely in their success as a team across all formats.
Morkel: A phenomenal bowler
The veteran pacer has taken 294 wickets in 83 Tests and has the chance of joining the 300 club in the series against Australia. In ODIs, Morkel boasts of 188 scalps to his name in 117 matches. In T20Is, he picked up 47 wickets.
Australia series to be his last
South Africa is slated to play Australia in a four-match Test series, starting March 1 and this will be the senior bowler's final big assignment in world cricket. Morkel recently featured in the Test and ODI series against India at home. The pacer excelled in the Test series win after picking 13 wickets in three matches. In the ODIs, his form dipped considerably.
What's next for Morkel & SA?
Morkel has an impressive record of 529 wickets across all formats for Proteas and therefore his retirement will leave a gaping hole. It will be interesting to see whether the pacer continues to play domestic cricket, especially T20s across the globe. It would be difficult for any bowler to fill his shoes. Proteas will look to groom the likes of Lungi Ngidi & Co.
