The addition of Morne Morkel to the Tshwane Spartans ranks will be a welcome return to South African cricket for one of the nation’s favourite sons, writes Craig Stirton.
For most of the towering speedster’s international career, he was under-appreciated by some members of the South African public. Much of the acclaim and adulation was often reserved for his far more prolific partner in crime, Dale Steyn.
Yet while Morkel took 188 ODI wickets along with 309 Test scalps, his role in the side was far more vital than his wickets tally suggests.
Morkel was, after all, a handful for any opposition batsman to deal with.
His ability to bowl consistently in the mid-140s while also employing well-directed short deliveries had batsmen on their toes and fending balls away.
This allowed Morkel to be the perfect foil to Steyn and Vernon Philander. Their natural ability to pitch the ball up and get it to seam around made complimented Morkel’s aggressive approach which helped him build partnerships with both players – a daunting prospect indeed.
Yet, right up until his retirement from the international game, Morkel proved a vital cog in the Proteas bowling machine.
Having played second fiddle all too often as highlighted above, it was fitting that he delivered the performance of his career in his penultimate match for the Proteas.
Morkel was sublime throughout that third Test at Newlands. He ripped the heart out of the Australia middle-order by claiming three key wickets including the all-important Steve Smith, before notching a fourth later in the day to serve the Proteas a handy first-innings lead.
The best was yet to come though and in the second innings, Morkel was nothing short of devastating. His five wickets, accumulated in just ten whirlwind overs, was breathtaking and paved the way for a mammoth 322-run thumping.
Many will remember the match for the now-infamous sandpaper incident but South Africans should remember it for the match in which one of our greatest servants inked his name into South Africa’s cricketing history by becoming the fifth South African Test bowler to take 300 Test wickets.
While his Cape Town showing gave us all a fond memory to cherish for years to come, the performance which exemplified Morkel’s character and love for the Proteas badge came in his swansong.
After pulling up injured in his 13th over of Australia’s first innings, the gentle giant crashed through the pain barrier to complete 10.4 overs in the second innings. When Aiden Markram effected the run out of Nathan Lyon mid-way through Morkel’s 11th over, the match was over. And just like that, the curtain came down on Morkel’s international career.
For many South Africans, the final Test in Joburg marked the final time they saw Morkel live in action.
That will soon change though with his inclusion in the Tshwane Spartans squad for the Mzansi Super League 2.0.
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Beyond the sentimental value, don’t be surprised if he delivers some big performances for his side. He has been in fine fettle for Surrey this season having taken 38 wickets in 11 County Championship matches at an average of 28.81. That said, it is important to remember that Morkel will be 35 by the time the tournament rolls around so it may be wise to temper expectations somewhat.
Regardless of how Morkel performs, we as fans should show delight in having another opportunity to see him in action and appreciate him for what he is – a quality fast-bowler and an even better servant of South African cricket.
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
