How many times, we would have had witnessed a no-ball costing team either a match or the coveted trophy?
The recent example was Jasprit Bumrah’s no-ball to Fakhar Zaman on June 18, in the finale of the 2017 ICC Champions trophy, as the unorthodox batter smashed his maiden hundred.
Further, to go into the unwanted record club, it’s quite painful experience after you put in strenuous efforts to rise to the occasion.
Ask the latest victim South African opener Dean Elgar, who missed out a double-hundred by just a run, as his teammate Morne Morkel equally falters on day four of the first Test in Potchefstroom while missing out a chance – to dismiss Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim after overstepping.
“It’s not going to end my career. It’s 13 [now 14], yes – world record. Somebody needs to hold it,” Morkel asserted when the Proteas were in the United Kingdom in June.
As the problem of lanky fast-bowler Morkel continued to go a distance in bad taste for what he is now believed to be a most wicket-taker on no-balls.
“I’d like to have in the bank, but it wasn’t meant to be. It’s part of the game,” Morkel maintained then.
The pace portent Morkel while donning the white proteas jersey has struggled while keeping his foot well behind the popping crease before becoming the bowler, who has taken 14 wickets which is considered highest on the illegitimate deliveries.
The 32-year-old Transvaal-born right-arm fast bowler is now also being considered as the world-record for bagging scalps on infamous no-balls.
After two quick wickets owing to his splendid bowling in the very fast over, Morkel was further left crestfallen when skipper Faf du Plessis dropped a sitter off Imrul Kayes while stationing himself at second slip.
“The only thing I can do is keep on working on getting that foot behind the line,” Morkel remarked.
(Read Also: Cricket South Africa Release Home Season Itinerary)
Interestingly, when South Africa was in England, Morkel was again in the spotlight when he claimed a wicket on a no-ball at the iconic Lords when the paceman clean bowled star all-rounder Ben Stokes on a beauty, but the on-field umpire Paul Reiffel was quick to declare a no-ball, as the shout was picked by stump mic.
“I think it’s just a rush of blood to the head, wanting to create something with the older ball,” Morkel concluded.
Morkel played 78 Tests in which he has claimed 272 wickets at an average of 29.01. He has six five-wicket hauls, and 16 four-wicket hauls under his belt after making his international debut in 2006 against India at Durban.