Morne Morkel wants to grill his new Proteas coach
The veteran quick's national contract runs out in 2018 and he wants to know from Ottis Gibson if he's in the World Cup frame. Otherwise...
Morne Morkel wants to play in the 2019 World Cup. Photo: Getty Images.
Morne Morkel has a one-year contract with the Proteas but the fast bowler is eager to find out from new coach Ottis Gibson what his terms of engagement will be going forward.
The former West Indies fast bowler and two-time England bowling coach has been appointed through to the 2019 World Cup, but at 32 years old, Morkel is not entirely certain of being involved in that showpiece tournament.
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“I need to look at my options, but the most important thing is that there’s communication from the top, knowing where you stand is the main thing. As a fast bowler, your career span is only so long and I’m 32 already.
“So one of my chats with Ottis is going to have to be about where I fit in when it comes to white-ball cricket.
“I will ask him what his plans are for 2019, does he intend to rebuild? If Dale Steyn comes back, do I miss out? When will he start trying to get young blood in the team? I can’t afford to sit on the sidelines for the next two years and not play.
“But if I get the opportunity then I will work hard and hopefully keep my spot. I only have a one-year contract so I need to weigh that up as well. I have a lot of thinking to do in terms of my family as well,” Morkel said.
The beanpole Titans star certainly still constitutes a vital part of the Proteas attack and in seven Tests this year he has taken 30 wickets at an average of 26.50, in what certainly counts as a resurgence after a serious back injury.
But he has played in just nine ODIs in the last two years and has had little success in T20 internationals.
Nevertheless, Morkel will lead the South African attack in the first Test against Bangladesh next week in Potchefstroom.
“Leading the attack is not something I think too much about, you back the other guys because they are there for a reason, they’re all quality. But it is my 12th season so I like the responsibility of taking the new ball. I got the opportunity to do it again in England, where it stays harder for longer and I got results.
“They had two left-handers up front and it worked well, but here in South Africa the Kookaburra goes a bit softer and there’s not as much movement.
“You have to work hard on your lines, be creative on the crease and get something on the ball,” Morkel said.
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