CT 2017: Have to write the night off and look forward to next game against India, says Morne Morkel

Team South Africa had a very tough outing when they took on Pakistan in the game 7 of the ICC Champions Trophy. Coming into the game, they were only one win away from becoming the second team to make it to the semi-finals. However, a poor batting show resulted in a low score of 219 on the board. Their speedster Morne Morkel bowled an exceptional spell to get back in the game.

However, it was just then that the rain intervened and the game went in favor of Pakistan team as per the DLS method. As per the quotes in Cricbuzz, Morne Morkel spoke at length about the game after the match. He noted that he was under the pressure to perform and was happy with the way things turned out on the day. It was unfortunate to be on the losing side but the team is now looking forward to the next game against India.

“I think because in the last eight months there were a lot of uncertainties with me, and to come out tonight in a big competition and do something with the ball, it is something special. When I walked onto the field, it was on the back of my mind. It was really an opportunity for me to stand up. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be [the result]. But we have to write the night off and look to the next one,” quoted Morne Morkel.

About containing Kohli

When asked about his plans for bowling to Virat Kohli, who made an unbeaten 81 against in the first game of CT 2017, Morkel said, “I was hoping you guys could tell me that.”

Blocking negative thoughts

He has not been a regular face in the team for the last few months since his injury layoff saw him being out of action for quite some time. Morkel remarked that it was important to block out those thoughts and grab the opportunity when it beckoned.

“The best thing for me was to block all those (thoughts) out and focus on when I get opportunity to grab it with both hands. The team has done exceptionally well in the past couple of months, becoming No. 1 team with all-rounders. So I understood that as a player, to be able to just wait for my turn and make the most of it. Luckily things are going well now at the moment. So, (I’m) happy,” he conceded.

Picking wickets the key

Speaking further about the game, Morne Morkel revealed that taking wickets was at the back of his mind throughout the game considering the lurking rains. It was Morkel’s double strike in the 8th over that saw both Pakistan openers head back to the pavilion. At one stage, he had bowled 5 overs conceding only 7 runs with 25 dot balls. He knows that he will only get better from here.

“Yeah it was playing on the back of my mind. We were chasing the game and were dying to pick up another wicket or two before the rain came. We knew the rain was on the way. So maybe to bowl upfront would’ve been a smart move. But you never know. It’s a sort of catch-22 situation. The balls came out nicely tonight,” quoted Morne Morkel.

“I think the more I bowl, the better I get. I didn’t bowl a hell of a lot of overs in this tournament and leading up to it. So, yes I am happy how my body is feeling at the moment,” he added further.