Morne Morkel : My career is nearly finished

07/22/2017

Morkel claimed that his time with the South Africa team is coming to a close and he might consider playing only one format. But he also insisted that he is still mentally and physically strong to play both Tests and ODIs.

South Africa’s experienced bowler Morkel played 76 Tests and 112 ODIs for his country and claimed 262 and 186 wickets respectively. Now, he hinted that his career is at the last stage and he wanted to concentrate only on one format so that he can conserve his strength and maximize his contribution.

“For me, every time I get the ball, it’s about really enjoying the moment. In the past, I put myself under a lot of pressure, but I think those sort of days are gone. I know how quickly a career can change. And I’m not starting my career. My career’s nearly finished. So I am just enjoying the moment.”, Morkel said to ESPNcricinfo.

Currently, the 32-year-old is a part of the Proteas team for the ongoing tour to England and will discuss his future plans with Cricket South Africa (CSA) when returning to South Africa at the end of August. In his 5 Test matches this year, Morkel has grabbed 20 wickets with an average of 27.40. He has already taken 9 wickets in 2 Tests against Joe Root-led England.

He clarified that he is not eyeing the 2019 World Cup but he is focusing on appearances in the one-day team. He will be approaching 35 by the time the one-day tournament in England and Wales begins.

“I don’t know. After this tour we’ll see. I’ll speak with Cricket South Africa and see where they see me featuring. I love playing for this team. But it’s not rocket science that they probably want to start looking, in white-ball cricket, at the 2019 World Cup. Am I going to part of those plans? If I can be around to help the younger guys find their feet, so be it. I’ll do that. For me, the main focus is this tour and then we’ll go back and see how we go,” he said.

In any game, fitness is the first priority for the players. Proteas speedster Morkel also admitted the fact and said he is focusing on his fitness so that it will help him serve the national team the best in the upcoming tournaments.

“My conditioning’s been good over the years and I really look after my body,” he said. “Mentally and physically I feel strong. But the World Cup is two or three years down the line and those are decisions they need to make. If there’s a T20 league I can go and play in and improve my skills and put my name into the hat for other tournaments, then I need to make that opportunity count. But the Proteas and this environment come first. So I need to focus on that.”

Morne Morkel : My career is nearly finished

Comments

0 Comments