Morne Morkel became the latest inductee into the 300 Test wickets club during the third Test between South Africa and Australia. He reached the milestone when he picked up the wicket of Shaun Marsh.
Morkel’s achievement couldn’t have come at a better time as this is also his last Test series. The lanky fast bowler announced his retirement before the start of the four-match Test series.
Morkel was dropped from the playing XI after a tough outing in the first Test where his match figures stated 3/122. Morkel would have been left stranded on 297 Test, but a toe injury to fellow fast bowler Lungi Ngidi prompted a recall for the veteran Proteas fast bowler.
Morkel picked up the crucial wickets of Usman Khwaja, Steven Smith, Shaun Marsh and Nathan Lyon in the first innings as the tourists were bundled out for 255.
The right arm fast bowler has credited his hard-work over the years the reason behind his success. Morkel said:
“I have worked really hard through the years, I wasn’t blessed with that natural talent to run up and hit a length, so over 12 years it was hard work to get to be able to do that,” Morkel told reporters after Friday’s close.”
“It’s a special feeling, mostly because I am the world record holder for the most no balls! But to eventually reach it (300 wickets) is something I have worked for a long time to achieve and to do it at this amazing venue is even better.”
Talking about how he felt when he was dropped from the side in the second Test he said:
“In PE (Port Elizabeth) I sat down for hours looking at my Durban spells and what I had to work on. Luckily for me I got an opportunity with Lungi getting a niggle.”
He also added that South Africa have the upper hand in the match and feels the wicket will get slower day by day.
He said:
“I don’t think it will get quicker, it will either stay the same or get slower. Hopefully tomorrow we can get that last wicket and a lead of 60. It will be harder to bat in the last couple of days.”
The 33 years old fast bowler also said that he has no regret about the decision he has made about his retirement.
“My body is still feeling great, mentally I am still feeling fantastic. I can still play for a couple of years. It was a family decision (to quit the national team) and once you have made your mind up it is hard to go back on that.”
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Video: Morne Morkel Becomes 5th South African Bowler to Bag 300+ Test Wickets
Morne Morkel to retire from international fold