Morne Morkel expresses happiness over comeback performance ahead of India series
Morne Morkel is a happy soul after his latest match-winning performance against Zimbabwe and claimed that it will help him do well in the upcoming series against India. He is also confident about Dale Steyn's comeback in the three-match series but is not worried about losing his place in the team.
Ahead of the series against India, South Africa demolished Zimbabwe inside two days and sent warning signs to the No.1 Test team in the World. Fast bowler Morne Morkel, who is the likeliest option to face the axe for the series opener should Steyn makes a comeback, utilized the match in his favour by picking up his first Test five-for in five years. After the match, the 33-year-old admitted that he is satisfied after his bowling performance.
“There was a bigger picture today and it was important for us to get overs under the belt and some mileage in the legs,” said Morkel as quoted by The Indian Express.
“For me, in the series coming up (against India), it’s going to be that last session in the day when the ball is soft and conditions are tough. In Cape Town the wind is going to blow, we know that, so for us, the best preparation today as a bowling unit was to enforce the follow-on and get the 10 wickets.”
While Steyn has not played an international fixture since November 2016, Morkel has played all the matches since March 2017 apart from one Test against Bangladesh in October after suffering a side strain. Steyn, meanwhile, returned for 0 for 16 from his 12 overs for CSA XI against the touring Zimbabwe side. However, in all probability, Morkel might face the wrath, but he is unperturbed by the same.
“(Dale) has been bowling exceptionally well in the nets. He looks strong, he is very fit, and I reckon he would have been a handful on this wicket,” said Morkel. “It’s another week for him to freshen up. It’s a big-time ahead now. For me, it was nice to get wickets under my name so when it comes to selection, for guys to maybe think about me.”
The Indian team have already left for South Africa to play three Tests, six ODIs, and three T20I. The first Test match of the series will start on January 5 at the New Lands in Cape Town.