BAD NEWS for county batsmen everywhere – Morne Morkel isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
The former South African Test star has been a wrecking ball this season in Surrey’s seemingly inexorable march to the title – taking 25 wickets in just four County Championship games so far.
Initially signed on a two-year Kolpak deal, Morkel and his family already feel so at home in south London that the 6ft 5in seamer is entertaining ideas of extending that stay further.
“I am definitely interested in staying longer,” he told The Cricket Paper. “Two years initially felt like a good sort of gauge for me to find out where I am at with the body.
“But I like to set goals for myself and we will assess again next summer, both physically and mentally, but at the moment I am still feeling very good, training well and hungry to play. Hopefully that can continue and I can play here for another couple of years.”
Morkel, who turns 34 in October, retired from international cricket at the start of the year after a stellar Proteas career that yielded 309 wickets from 86 Tests.
And while he arrived at Surrey nursing a torn side muscle, he hasn’t taken long to find his feet at the Oval and spearhead their push for glory.
He added: “The move was quite easy, everyone at Surrey has gone out of their way to make life comfortable and easy – particularly bringing my family and moving everything over here.
Denne historien er fra August 03,2018-utgaven av The Cricket Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 03,2018-utgaven av The Cricket Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
