Dean Elgar terms Morne Morkel's retirement as "shocking"

Morne Morkel made his debut in 2006

Morkel will lead the South Africa bowling attack one final time. ( Zee Media)

South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has announced that the upcoming series against Australia will be his last in international cricket. The 33-year-old fast bowler has played 83 Tests, 117 ODIs and 44 T20Is for the Proteas in an international career that began at the Boxing Day Test against India in 2006. 

Morne Morkel reasoned his decision to retire as the one which was taken in mind the hectic international schedule and also his family which missed him increasingly over the years.  "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 on us. I have to put them first and this decision will only benefit us going forward" Morkel was quoted as saying. 

Stating that he never expected Morkel retire so soon, Elgar maintained that the lanky fast bowler has shown unbelievable professionalism for the Proteas.

“I think my reaction is quite mutual in the team, it was a bit of a shock, You don’t expect a guy to be retiring so soon. I know he’s been playing professional cricket for 12 years but I’m sure every individual would still feel he has got a lot more to give but be that as it may, we respect his decision.”

“He has provided South African cricket 12 years of unbelievable professionalism in the side and I’m sure the hard work on and off the field has done him a massive credit,” he added.

Earlier, after announcing his retirement from the game Morkel had said,” It was an extremely tough decision but I feel the time is right to start a new chapter,” he stated in a Cricket South Africa (CSA) release. 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,” Morkel said. 

"I have loved every minute that I have played in the Proteas jersey, and I am incredibly grateful to my teammates, 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." Morkel said recalling his playing days.

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 02 Mar, 2018

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