11 Interesting Facts About Morne Morkel

11 Interesting Facts About Morne Morkel: Morne Morkel, the typical South African fast bowler, with astute line and length began his international career less than a decade back but rose to height of prominence within a very short span of time. Currently, he spearheads the South African bowling attack. It was Morkel’s talents that impressed the legendary Allan Donald claiming him to be the right-arm fast bowler with genuine pace. Obviously, the tall height and ability to swing the ball made Morkel immensely popular in the world of cricket.

Morne Morkel was born on 6th October 1984 at Transvaal province in South Africa. He has played 64 tests and claimed 218 wickets with 6 five-wicket hauls. The lanky fast bowler also added 169-ODI wickets (with 2 five-wicket hauls) to his tally from 100 ODIs that he played so far. The bowler has 45 wickets from 39 T20is as well.

On his 31st Birthday, We present you 11 Interesting Facts About Morne Morkel:

1. Cricket in Genes: 

Morne Morkel got cricket in his genes. His father had also played quite a few professional cricket matches in the domestic cricket. His elder brother Albie is a well-known cricketer.

2. First-class Debut: 

Morne Morkel’s first class debut began in an obnoxious manner as he gave away 54 runs and in his 5-over with 17 no-balls during a match for Easterns against West Indies in 2003. However, Morne Morkel was successful to score unbeaten 44 at this match.

3. Nickname: 

The cricketer has earned some unique nicknames making him immensely popular among team-mates and fans. Morne Morkel is affectionately called Morras and Lobster by them.

4. Vegan Diet: 

The secret to cricketer’s success over the last few years is the vegan diet that he adopted of late. Even though he is called lobster for his tall height and ability to put opponents under pressure, but Morkel actually refrains from eating non-vegetarian stuff.

5. ODI Debut: 

Morne Morkel’s played his 1st ODI match for Africa XI vs Asia XI in 2007. He picked up 3 wickets in the match. Morne Morkel opened the bowling with Albie Morkel, his elder brother, and this was the first time in ODI history that two brothers opened the bowling attack for a team.

6. T20 World Cup (2007): 

The immense cricket potential of Morne Morkel came to spotlight during the 2007 T20 Cricket World Cup; Morne Morkel bowled marvellously in the tournament finishing with 9 wickets at an excellent bowling average of 13.33, almost unimaginable in Twenty-twenty matches.

7. IPL Purple Cap (2012): 

Morne Morkel has earned the purple cap in 2012 for his astonishing bowling in 2012 IPL while playing for Delhi Daredevils. The speedster claimed 25 wickets in 16 IPL matches in IPL 5.

Also Read – List of purple cap holders in the IPL

8. Buddy Ab de Villiers:

Before his marriage, Morne Morkel used to live in Pretoria with his brother Albie Morkel and buddy Ab de Villiers.

9. When Morkel dismissed Steyn:

During a 2012 IPL match, Morne Morkel dismissed his team mate Dale Steyn in an unexpected manner. Morne Morkel revealed in one of his interviews that Steyn is a very angry man and short tempered. But Steyn didn’t say a word to him and straight away moved to Pavilion. Such is the good rapport they share between them.

10. Sledging Brother:

Morne Morkel disclosed in an interview that he and Albie sledge a lot on the field, but they do it in a dignified manner without letting other team mates sneak in. Albeit Both the Morkels are gentlemen cricketers in their own right in present day cricket.

11. Major Teams:

South Africa, Africa XI, Delhi Daredevils, Easterns, Kent, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Titans, Yorkshire.