Birthday special: Morne Morkel – 3 Best Test spells for South Africa
Former South African speedster Morne Morkel celebrates his 39th Birthday on October 06, 2022. Born in Vereeniging in 1984, the tall pacer is considered one of the most prominent bowlers for the Proteas whose partnership with Dale Steyn ran for years. We turn the clock to look back at some of the most memorable spells that Morkel delivered in the longest format of the game.
Let’s take a look at the 3 Best spells by Morne Morkel in Test cricket:
3. vs India (4/60)
Having already won the first Test, South Africa entered the second match with an aim to seal the series against India in Centurion in 2018. The hosts batted first and got bowled out for 335. In reply, India managed to post 307 with Morkel picking up four wickets for 60 runs including the all-important wicket of a well-settled and century-maker Virat Kohli for 153. The seam bowler also got rid of opener KL Rahul for just ten with the Proteas winning the match by 135 runs and clinching the series.
2. vs Australia (5/23 in 2014)
With the series level at 1-1, Australia faced South Africa in the third and deciding Test during their tour to the Rainbow Nation in 2018. The hosts batted first and posted 311 in Cape Town. Australia got bundled out for 255 with Morkel and Kagiso Rabada picking up four wickets each. South Africa made 373 in their second innings and set a target of 430. Morkel then snared five scalps for 23 runs including the wicket of Steven Smith as the home side won the match and the series 2-1. Morne grabbed the Player of the Match award for his nine wickets in the game.
1.vs New Zealand (6/23 in 2012)
The Proteas, having a lead of 1-0 in the series, batted first in the third and the final Test against New Zealand in Wellington in 2012. They posted 474/9d in their first innings and in reply, the hosts Kiwis got bundled out for just 275. South Africa declared their second innings for 189/3 and set a target of 389 for New Zealand to chase. Morkel’s show then began as he dismantled the Kiwi batting line-up with his lethal spell of 6/23, his best figures in Tests. New Zealand scored 200/6 as all wickets went to Morkel with the match getting drawn and Proteas winning the series.
