SA vs AUS 2018: Morne Morkel achieves career-best rating points in Test cricket

The fourth Test starts from March 30.

Morkel registered figures of 9 for 110 in Cape Town Test. ( AFP)

Playing his last international series for South Africa, Morne Morkel has achieved his career-best rankings in Test cricket.Morne Morkel's best figures of 9 for 110 in the third Test against Australia propelled him to No.6 in the ICC Test bowler's rankings, with 798 rating points to his credit - his highest tally ever. 

Kagiso Rabada continued to lead the charts with 899 points while Trent Boult, who wreaked havoc with a 6-wicket haul in the first innings to skittle England out for 58, and followed it up with three wickets in the second innings, jumped five spots to climb to the seventh spot in the rankings table. 

Meanwhile, the Australia pacers - Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc dropped one and two places respectively to be listed fifth and 12th in the list. 

In the wake of the ball-tampering controversy, the focus has shifted from cricket to all the wrong reasons. David Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft has been asked to return home following their involvement in the infamous controversy. 

The image of Australian cricket has been tarnished in the wake of this unwanted controversy. Warner and Steve Smith have stepped down as the captains of their respective franchises and thus have tarnished their reputation as famed cricketers as well. 

Meanwhile, James Sutherland apologized to the Australian cricket fans and to Cricket South Africa. He cleared that only Steve Smith, Cameron Bancroft and David Warner had the prior knowledge of intention to tamper with the ball.

He also cleared that coach Darren Lehmann had no knowledge of this and will continue to coach Australia as per his contract.

“CA will review the conduct and culture of the national teams. Focus on re-engaging with the cricket public to regain respect. In the next 24 hours we will be in a position to announce sanctions,” Sutherland asserted.

The CA chief though hinted that the sanctions will be significant considering the magnitude of the scandal and Australia public’s reaction. 

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 28 Mar, 2018

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