South Africa has always been blessed with some quality, fast bowlers, and Morne Morkel is one of them. Morkel has been an integral part of the South African team since his arrival to the side. Morkel made his Test debut in the Boxing Day Test against India. He has played 77 Tests and 112 ODI’s for the South African team.
As the countdown to 2019 World Cup has started, players are looking forward to the mega ICC event to be played n England. With South Africa appointing Ottis Gibson as their chief coach, Morkel feels that he is still not sure if he will be a part of Gibson’s plan for the next couple of years. Many South African players have opted for the Kolpak deal in the past and Morkel might consider going the same path if he is not a part of South Africa’s set up for the 2019 World Cup. With Dale Steyn returning to fitness, Morkel also feels that his place in the Test side is not guaranteed if Steyn, Vernon Philander, and Kagiso Rabada are fit to play.
He said:
“I am 32 and it is one of the conversations I am going to have with Ottis to find out where I fit in with white ball cricket‚ and if there are any plans for me in 2019,” also adding that his place in the Test side is not guaranteed when Vernon Philander‚ Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada are fit.
He also said that he would have a word with Gibson once about his future in the South African team and also spoke about his desires in the future.
“I need to see what is going to happen. Am I going to miss out? I don’t know when they are going to make the shift of bringing in younger players‚ those are all the things that must be communicated. As long as there is communications and things are clear‚ I can’t afford to sit on the sidelines for the next two years and not play cricket. It is all about timing and communication. I need to know what is their thinking for the next two years.
“I have a one-year contract with Cricket South Africa (CSA). Obviously you need to look at options. The most important thing is communication from the top to create a situation where we know where we stand. That is the main thing that we ask for as players. At the end of the day as a cricketer you need to look at the options because we have a life span. But if there is communication and you know where you stand‚ then it is easier for everyone.”
“If my time is up and they want to move on‚ unfortunately that will be it. At the moment‚ I can only work hard and fight for my spot in the team. This is a cutthroat environment. There are a lot of guys knocking on the door but it’s a nice thing because it keeps me motivated and working hard.”