South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has announced he will retire from all forms of international cricket at the conclusion of the four-Test series against Australia, starting
in Durban on Thursday March 01,2018
4-Match Test Series Schedule
Explaining his decision, the 33-year-old Morkel said: "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."
4-Match Test Series Schedule
- First Test @ Kingsmead, Durban March 01 - 05 ,2018
- Second Test @ St George's Park, Port Elizabeth March 09 - 13,2018
- Third Test @ Newlands, Cape Town March 22 - 26,2018
- Fourth Test @New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg March 30 - April 03,2018
Explaining his decision, the 33-year-old Morkel said: "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."
Morne Morkel has played 83 Tests, 117 One-day Internationals and 44 T20 Internationals in a career spanning 12 years.
The
lanky pacer has taken 294 Test wickets - including seven five-wicket
hauls - and is currently the fifth-highest wicket-taker for South Africa
in Test matches. He has an impressive tally of 529 wickets across the
three formats.
"I
have loved every minute that I have played in the Proteas jersey, and I
am incredibly grateful to my team mates, 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," Morne Morkel added.
Cricket
South Africa Acting CE, Thabang Moroe, praised Morkel's commitment and
contribution towards South African cricket: "On Behalf of Cricket South
Africa, I would like to thank Morne for the tremendous and highly valued
contribution he has made to South African cricket over the past decade.
"He
has been a regular selection for both the Standard Bank Proteas Test
and ODI squads since 2008, having made his debut as far back as 2006. He
has formed part of the golden era of fast bowlers that have made the
South African Test team a champion outfit that is respected throughout
the world.
"Being a
champion fast bowler is one of the most difficult professions in the
sporting world. It requires tremendous skill, dedication and
perseverance and, by no means the least, the courage to bowl through the
pain barrier at times. Those are characteristics Morne has shown
throughout his career.
"Lastly,
on behalf of the South African cricket family, our stakeholders and
fans around the world, we thank Morne for being both a fine player and
an outstanding role model who has made our country proud. We wish him
everything of the best in his future endeavours," Moroe said
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