South Africa’s left-arm pace bowler Morne Morkel left his fans and the cricket fraternity amazed with his instant decision to retire from International cricket.
The tall and lanky bowler from Vereeniging had made his debut for South Africa in a Test match against India on 26 December 2006 at Kingsmead in Durban where South Africa won by 174 runs.
#CSAnews @mornemorkel65 to retire from international cricket after Australia series https://t.co/frtYF3kJhn pic.twitter.com/IVmUSbfD1I
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 26, 2018
In 2014, Morkel married the Channel Nine reporter Roz Kelly and the pair is blessed to have a son.
Heart of gold … on and off the field @mornemorkel65 ⭐️ #newchapter pic.twitter.com/oLRIrA2fIE
— Roz Kelly (@Roz_Kelly) February 26, 2018
In his 12 years long career, the 33-year old cricketer has played 117 ODIs, 44 T20I and83 Tests.
Moreover, the South African spearhead also has an impressive record against Australia.
In 13 Test matches, Morkel has taken 43 wickets against the Kangaroos at an average of 38.58.
On his retirement, Morkel said, “It was an extremely tough decision but I feel the time is right to start a new chapter.”
He said that the international schedule has put immense stress on him as well as his family.
Further, he added, “I have a young family and a foreign wife, and the current demanding international schedule has put a lot of strain on us. I must put them first and this decision will only benefit us going forward.”
Expressing his views on the upcoming 4 Test match series against Australia, Morkel said, “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.”
'Going to be a phone call away' – @mornemorkel65 reflects on his decision to retire from international cricket and passing the torch to a new generation of South Africa pacers.https://t.co/thCPOQFcEq pic.twitter.com/l7vVydKnM7
— ICC (@ICC) February 27, 2018
Meanwhile, Australian batsmen will definitely expect a fiery welcome from the paceman that will start on Thursday at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.
