Former South African pacer Morne Morkel was roped in by Brisbane Heat for BBL 2020-21. Having retired from international cricket, Morkel will be available for a full season with the club. Also, he will he playing as a local player having successfully gaining permanent residency in Australia.
The 36-year-old Morkel played one game for Perth Scorchers last year. He was one of the finish fast bowlers produced by the Protean nation and was able to carry on the legacy established by Alan Donald, Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini.
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Morne Morkel Joins Brisbane Heat in BBL
Meanwhile, Morkel expressed his delight in playing in the BBL for a new franchise. The tall and lanky fast bowler admitted that it is a surreal feeling to be a local player but the cricketer is enjoying every bit of what life has to offer.
“I am still enjoying my cricket enormously and the chance to be part of the Heat squad is something I am keen to experience. I admit it will be a bit unusual to call myself a local, but we are enjoying living and working here and this is another aspect of our lives that I am looking forward to being a part of,” Morkel said.
Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann was more than happy to welcome the former Protean pacer into their squad. The former Aussie coach stated that Morne Morkel aged like old wine and they are confident that the fast bowler will bring a lot to the table.
“Anyone who has played or coached with him or against him will happily attest that he is a champion person. On the international front, I consider his best bowling efforts came as he got older. His control and skill with the ball were his trademarks so it will be great to introduce him into our group.”
Morne Morkel also played in the Indian Premier League for a number of seasons and a number of franchisees. He has played for Delhi Daredevils, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders. He was a par of KKR’s title-winning squad in 2014.
Morne Morkel was a successful bowler for South Africa in all three formats. He completed his international career with 544 wickets.
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