Video: Morne Morkel Becomes 5th South African Bowler to Bag 300+ Test Wickets
Mar 23, 2018 at 7:33 PM
South African speedster Morne Morkel who is nearing his international retirement had a lot to rejoice after he became only the 5th South African bowler to bag 300+ Test wickets. He reached the landmark on day two of the 3rd Test against Australia at the Newlands in Cape Town. Morkel had announced before the start of the Australia series that the four-match series would be his last. He came into the 3rd Test with 297 wickets behind his name.
The lanky fast bowler inched closer to the landmark when he dismissed Usman Khawaja in only the 3rd delivery of the day. The southpaw attempted a pull shot but couldn’t keep it down and was safely taken by the fine-leg fielder. Aussie skipper Steve Smith was his 299th victim as he edged a good length delivery to gully.
The celebrations knew no bounds when he dismissed Shaun Marsh to bag his 300th Test wicket. Shaun Marsh nicked a brilliant delivery from Morkel straight to Quinton de Kock behind the stumps. His innings left Australia struggling at 150/4 after a solid 78 runs partnership between Marsh and Cameron Bancroft.
Earlier in the day, it was Morkel who was the last wicket to fall as the Proteas were bowled out for 311. Dean Elgar was the top scorer for the hosts as he carried his bat for a brilliant 141. Meanwhile, Morkel had earlier said that it was a very tough decision to call, it quits from international cricket, but he feels that it is time for a new chapter in his life.
“It was an extremely tough decision but I feel the time is right to start a new chapter. I have a young family and a foreign wife, and the current demanding international schedule has put a lot of strain us. I have to put them first and this decision will only benefit us going forward,” Morkel said.
“I have loved every minute that I have played in the Proteas jersey, and I am incredibly grateful to my teammates, Cricket South Africa, and my family and friends for the support over the years. I still feel there is a lot of cricket left in me and I am excited for what lies ahead. For now, all of my energy and focus is on helping the Proteas win the upcoming series against Australia,” he had said.
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