Morne Morkel Puts Family First to Retire From International Cricket After Australia Series
Proteas fast bowler, Morne Morkel, has announced he will retire from all forms of international cricket at the conclusion of the four-match Sunfoil Test series against Australia starting in Durban on Thursday. The 33-year-old has played 83 Tests, 117 One-Day Internationals and 44 T20 Internationals in a successful career spanning 12 years. He has taken […]
Proteas fast bowler, Morne Morkel, has announced he will retire from all forms of international cricket at the conclusion of the four-match Sunfoil Test series against Australia starting in Durban on Thursday.
The 33-year-old has played 83 Tests, 117 One-Day Internationals and 44 T20 Internationals in a successful career spanning 12 years.
He has taken 294 Test wickets – including seven five-fors – and is currently the fifth highest all-time wicket-taker for South Africa in Test matches. He has an impressive tally of 529 wickets across the three formats.
Explaining his decision, Morkel said: “It was an extremely tough decision but I feel the time is right to start a new chapter. I have a young family and a foreign wife, and the current demanding international schedule has put a lot of strain us. I have to put them first and this decision will only benefit us going forward.”
Morkel married Australia’s Channel Nine reporter Roz Kelly in December 2014. They have a young son, Arias.
“I have loved every minute that I have played in the Proteas jersey, and I am incredibly grateful to my team mates, Cricket South Africa, and my family and friends for the support over the years.
“I still feel there is a lot of cricket left in me and I am excited for what lies ahead. For now, all of my energy and focus is on helping the Proteas win the upcoming series against Australia.”
Cricket South Africa Acting CE, Thabang Moroe, praised Morkel’s commitment and contribution towards South African cricket: “On Behalf of Cricket South Africa, I would like to thank Morne for the tremendous and highly valued contribution he has made to South African cricket over the past decade.
“He has been a regular selection for both the Standard Bank Proteas Test and ODI squads since 2008, having made his debut as far back as 2006. He has formed part of the golden era of fast bowlers that have made the South African Test team a champion outfit that is respected throughout the world.
“Being a champion fast bowler is one of the most difficult professions in the sporting world. It requires tremendous skill, dedication and perseverance and, by no means the least, the courage to bowl through the pain barrier at times. Those are characteristics Morne has shown throughout his career.
“ Lastly, on behalf of the South African cricket family, our stakeholders and fans around the world, we thank Morne for being both a fine player and an outstanding role model who has made our country proud. We wish him everything of the best in his future endeavours.”
Source: Cricket.co.za
Top 2 Morne Morkel moments this summer.
1. This gem pic.twitter.com/JCM4mjAIE4— Sibongile Mafu (@sboshmafu) February 26, 2018
I can't believe fast bowlers survive 1 year let alone 12 like Morne Morkel. As of today he's bowled 55,914 balls in all formats, running in off ±20m. That's 1118km he's covered just running in to bowl. Doesn't include training. Put your feet up, sir. You've earned it.
— Tom Eaton (@TomEatonSA) February 26, 2018
There had been talk that Morne Morkel might be coming to the end of his international career but didn't think it would be so soon. Fine cricketer. Wish him well.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 26, 2018