Dean Elgar admits of being shocked over Morne Morkel's retirement decision

South Africa opener Dean Elgar has admitted that he was shocked to hear the news of Morne Morkel’s retirement ahead of the crucial Test series against Australia. The fast bowler has decided to hang up his boots after the four-match Test series against the team from down under which started on Thursday. However, Elgar also cleared that his decision to retire sent shock waves through the entire South African team.

Morkel has been the lynchpin of Proteas bowling attack for a long time and he had recently expressed his desire to win the World Cup for South Africa in 2019. He had also strongly denied the reports of him signing a Kolpak deal during the tour of England and wanted to play for his country. Though his decision to retire might be the correct time for another youngster to step up to the plate for South Africa.

It was a bit of a shock

Dean Elgar feels that Morne Morkel has a lot of cricket still left in him but also respected his decision to bid adieu to all forms of international cricket. “I think my reaction is quite mutual in the team, it was a bit of a shock, You don’t expect a guy to be retiring so soon. I know he’s been playing professional cricket for 12 years but I’m sure every individual would still feel he has got a lot more to give but be that as it may, we respect his decision,” he was quoted as saying Sport24.

The left-handed opening batsman also congratulated the fast bowler over his successful career which spanned over 12 years. “He has provided South African cricket 12 years of unbelievable professionalism in the side and I’m sure the hard work on and off the field has done him a massive credit,” Elgar added further.

Morkel is on the cusp of completing 300 Test wickets and will be eager to win the Test series for his country one final time and end his career on a high.

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