Morne Morkel

Profile

Morne Morkel got his first taste of International cricket when he was called up to replace Dale Steyn during South Africa’s home series against India in 2006. Unlike brother Albie who’s an all-rounder, Morne’s role is restricted only with the cherry in hand.

Morne represented his continent first in ODIs than his country, being part of a select African XI to tour India to face an Asia XI. His earliest eye-catchy bowling spell came on tour to West Indies in 2008, when a 4-wicket haul helped South Africa peg West Indies before they could get any momentum going. The Caribbean proved to be a good hunting ground for Morkel, when he returned in 2010 to pluck his then best bowling figures, a 4/21 which successfully downed the Windies while defending a low total.

His Test return came in 2008, as Morkel slowly made himself a permanent fixture in South Africa’s three-pronged attack that featured the dangerous Steyn and veteran Makhaya Ntini. The trio’s best performances came in India, when the hosts were bowled out for a mere 76 in all but 20 overs and eventually paved way for a series lead. Morkel’s second international five-wicket haul came against a visiting England side, in a match where he led South Africa’s bowling attack. With exposure in ODIs and Tests in his pocket, Morne, along with Steyn have over the years, formed one of the most lethal bowling combinations for the South African team. Morne has also participated in the IPL, initially playing for the Rajasthan and later being an asset to the Delhi.

Fast Facts

• Morne Morkel was named South Africa’s Player of the Year 2008.

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Career

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