Cricket South Africa clears air over Chris Morris’ international career

Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced the T20I and Test squads for their upcoming India tour on Tuesday. While Dale Steyn and Faf du Plessis missing from the T20 squad were the talking points, the CSA’s footnote at the end of the squad announcement urged more attention from the fans. Chris Morris had made himself unavailable for the tour to play in the Euro T20 Slam and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

He was one of the top performers for South Africa in the World Cup where the Proteas failed to qualify for the semi-finals. Morris was the highest wicket-taker for them with 13 wickets to his name in 8 matches and only flew to the UK to replace Anrich Nortje in the squad. He also scored 74 runs in the four innings at a strike-rate of 121.31.

But his unavailability for the important India tour raised many doubts and even questions were asked about his immediate international future. However, CSA has made clear that Morris remains an integral part of their plans across all the formats of the game.

He had already made other commitments

Chris Morris national’ contract wasn’t renewed after the mega event in England and the negotiations are being made according to CSA’s acting Director of Cricket Corrie van Zyl. The all-rounder had already made his commitment to play in the T20 league and the board will look into the issue after the India tour now.

“It is well known that Chris’ national contract was not renewed beyond the World Cup. Then, following his super performance at the World Cup, negotiations began on awarding him a new national contract but by then he had already made other commitments.

“It absolutely does not mean that the door is closed, and we will start negotiations on a new contract again after the tour. He still wants to play cricket for South Africa,” he said while speaking to Sport24. Chris Morris is now expected to be part of South Africa team in the England series at home later this year.

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