Cricketers lavishes praise as Morne Morkel bids adieu to gentleman’s game
Apr 3, 2018 at 7:14 PM
It is not about walking in the ground men’s shed this time around it has been a riveting story of South African fast bowler Morne Morkel walking out to bowl even nursing the left-side strain.
On the other side, the 33-year-old Transvaal-born Morkel in his last Test fixture for the Proteas team bagged three wickets in the all-important match at Wanderers.
Adding, in the four-match Test series, Morkel, who missed the second Test bagged 15 wickets in the historic series win.
Before the kick off the gruelling series in February, Morkel announced it is going to be his last as an international cricketer for the Rainbow Nation. He cited the family reasons for his early exit
In addition, Morkel has joined English county side Surrey on the Kolpak contract after being ranked sixth Test bowler in the ICC rankings.
At Newlands, the match figures of nine for 110 against Australia saw him going past the 300 Test-wicket mark.
The scenes were surreal as families came to the ground with the kids, clicking photographs. Indeed, this doesn’t happen often until you are set for the memorable farewell.
In the fourth and final Test against Australia, South Africa clinched the match by whopping 492 runs after Australia was strangulated at 119 in 46.4 overs.
Owing to the retirement token, Morkel bowled his heart out before thanking his teammates, management and the cricketing fans across the globe.
Regarding his twelve-year career for the Proteas, Morkel termed it ‘fantastic’ before walking out of the park.
In contrast, without the services of magnificent Morkel, South Africa has a lot to do at the international arena.
Take a look at one of Morne Morkel’s brilliant spell in the recent past:
https://twitter.com/CricFan2000/status/979467245507182598
However, since 1970, South Africa clinched the first series victory in their backyard.
Nevertheless, in 1966-67, the Proteas sealed the five-match series 3-1 before returning to claim the four-match Test series 4-0.
In spite, Morkel made his Test debut against India in December 2016 at Kingsmead in Durban.
To celebrate Morne Morkel's farewell Test, let's take a look at some of the big quick's finest work on Aussie soil. @OfficialCSA #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/wGGYA6AbW3
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) April 2, 2018
But, In 86 Tests, Morkel bagged 309 wickets in 160 innings at an average of 27.66. He claimed eight five-wicket hauls followed by 18 four-wicket hauls respectively.
In addition, Morkel played 117 One-day Internationals and 44 Twenty20 Internationals. He bagged 544 wickets across formats.
Here’s the reaction of cricketers after Morne Morkel retires from international cricket:
Congrats on a wonderful career @mornemorkel65. Fine, fine cricketer but even better bloke. Surely the mark of a mans achievements. Enjoy the next chapter mate.
— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) April 3, 2018
One of the great guys leaves Test Cricket Today … @mornemorkel65 … Well done and good luck with wherever you end up playing … #SAvAUS
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 3, 2018
It has been a fairytale finish for @mornemorkel65.. what a player, friend, ambassador, role model and you can be so proud of yourself for an outstanding career.! Privileged to have played alongside you. #legend
— David Miller (@DavidMillerSA12) April 3, 2018
Congrats @mornemorkel65 on a fantastic career.all the best for your future endeavours
— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) April 3, 2018
Well done Proteas. Great series win against Aus. Congrats @mornemorkel65 on a fantastic career.
— Jacques Kallis (@jacqueskallis75) April 3, 2018
Test cricket is alive and kicking. Congrats @OfficialCSA on a great series win. Fitting send off to a true champion @mornemorkel65 clinical as always by #TheSurgeon @VDP_24 congrats on the #200club brother. Awesome work @faf1307 and co. #ProteaFire #Spirited #SAvAUS
— JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) April 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/AllanDonald33/status/979392727489138688
Fought really really hard in his career, great competitor and the nicest human being. Wish you a happy retirement @mornemorkel65
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) April 3, 2018
Congratulations @mornemorkel65 on an amazing international career! One of the all time great men of cricket and someone who has never sought the limelight but deserves it all! Enjoy having him home a bit more often @Roz_Kelly
— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) April 3, 2018
Well done on ur wonderful international cricket career mate @mornemorkel65 wish u all the luck for life ahead
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 3, 2018
Congrats on an awesome international career big man @mornemorkel65! One of the great men! #Tall #SickOfYouGettingMeOut #Legend pic.twitter.com/DnElDkBX4r
— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) April 3, 2018
So,492 runs is the margin of defeat for Australia. Before that Saturday evening, it looked such a close series,but Australia found it impossible to maintain the intensity post the ball tampering saga. Congratulations to Morne Morkel on a great career, giant ,unsung hero. #SAvAUS
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 3, 2018
Well done brother @mornemorkel65. End of a real success story. In the end family wins.. Enjoy life!
— Albie Morkel (@albiemorkel) April 3, 2018
#MyMorneMoments, when young Morné started his career @Titans_Cricket, he 1day approached the coach Richard Pybus to ask him for some petrol money, as times were tough then believe it or not, Pybus suggested he sells his Citi golf and get himself a bicycle..😂 #humblebeginnings
— Albie Morkel (@albiemorkel) April 3, 2018
The breed of big, bad fast bowlers, usually aggressive, seldom comes across a quintessentially nice guy on and off the field. Morne Morkel was one of those nice guys, but no less potent.
Happy retirement, @mornemorkel65! You will be missed!#DilDilli #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/bov7UYgsOn
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 3, 2018
And there’s the moment, congratulations South Africa on the 3-1 series victory! Take a bow @mornemorkel65! What a journey! #ProteaFire #SAvAUS #SunfoilTest #MyMorneMoments pic.twitter.com/BWt9nbyiMq
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) April 3, 2018
309 Test wickets
188 ODI wickets
47 T20I wicketsCongratulations to @mornemorkel65 on a brilliant international career! 🙌
What is your favourite Morkel memory? pic.twitter.com/XiUG5ssfCK
— ICC (@ICC) April 3, 2018
Very tall man, even higher morals ✨ @mornemorkel65 pic.twitter.com/k45lQmuGl6
— Roz Kelly (@Roz_Kelly) April 3, 2018
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