EXPERIENCED former Proteas all-rounder Albie Morkel has been selected to captain the Durban Heat for the upcoming Mzansi Super League which starts for the Heat with a home game against the Cape Town Blitz on Sunday, 18 November.
The 37 year-old is arguably one of the most successful captains in South African franchise cricket and has played T20 cricket all over the world, including a long stint with the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. With 309 T20 caps to his name, Morkel’s experience is almost unmatched in the MSL and given the all-rounder’s match-winning ability with both ball and bat it was an easy decision to give him the captaincy.
“I have played my cricket in Pretoria for 15 years and have become very comfortable with that environment, so it is going to be an exciting challenge playing in Durban. We aren’t changing franchises or anything like that, this competition is completely new with completely new squads so it’s not going to be difficult to try and convince guys to get behind the team,” Morkel said.
ALSO READ: Run the Durban Botanic Gardens
The Durban Heat squad has a sound mixture of youth and experience with the likes of Hashim Amla, David Miller and Kyle Abbott as well as youngsters Tladi Bokako, Brandon Mavuta and Okuhle Cele.
Having the experienced players at his disposal is an asset that Morkel will take advantage of throughout the competition.
Durban Heat coach Grant Morgan weighed up the options and felt that through his pedigree as a T20 player Morkel was the obvious choice to take on the captaincy.
“He has an incredible T20 track record that includes winning big T20 tournaments. His T20 experience around the world is virtually unparalleled which is another massive plus for us,” Morgan said.
The Durban Heat begin their Mzansi Super League campaign with a clash with the Cape Town Blitz on Sunday, 18 November at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium starting at 11am.
Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketpro.co.za and at Kingsmead Stadium.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
