South Africa's Morne Morkel under Kolpak scanner

This might not come as a very pleasing news for the Proteas, as South Africa’a leading fast bowler Morne Morkel is on the Kolpak radar for the scouts. According to ESPNcricinfo, at least three counties are eyeing him as a Kolpak signing ahead of the 2018 season, one of the clubs being Warwickshire.

South Africa have recently lost the Test series to England 3-1, and the only bright spot was Morne Morkel’s 19 wickets at an average of just over 26.

From the fast bowler’s point of view, this might be a point to consider, as Morkel will be turning 33 this October, and a long run in the county will guarantee him financial stability and a smooth way to bid good bye to the game. The African camp is struggling to deal with the Kolpak ‘horror’ after many of its cricketers chose county over the country. The likes of Kyle Abbott, Rilee Rossouw, Simon Harmer and Hardus Viljoen are some of the names.

Committed to the country

Morkel recently expressed his desire to keep on playing for the country and committed his service. He also admitted that the Proteas are in a bit of a slump now and it is important for the senior players to step in and recollect the team to get back together.

“I’m committed to the Proteas and for me that’s the most important thing,” the 32-year-old said at the Proteas team arrival in Cape Town on Thursday. “We’re in a bit of a slump now and it’s important for our senior players to stick together and help the team get back to a place where the public and everyone can be proud of us.”

On his form, Morkel said he had put in the hours to get his conditioning back after a long struggle with a back injury. And while it was difficult watching the ball go past the outside edge so much in England, he can still take some encouragement from his performance.

“It was very frustrating but at least, in those conditions, I was asking the right questions,” he said. “I’ve put a lot of hard work in over the past four or five months … physically, mentally and also adapting to the conditions. “In the nets I started to play around with the grip of the ball and got it to nibble a bit with a wobbled seam and from there it was just important to work out different angles.”