Published: Dec 28, 2017, 08:04 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 28, 2017, 08:04 PM (IST)
Morne Morkel injured himself during the home series versus Bangladesh in September-October 2017. After a layoff, the pacer returned to international cricket with a five-for in his comeback during the inaugural four-day Test versus Zimbabwe. Though the Test was wrapped up inside two days, thanks to Zimbabwe’s miseries, Morkel believes he is quite pleased with the preparations ahead of the all-important India series. In process, Morkel also ended the calendar year on a high — claiming 39 wickets from 9 Tests at 23.
South Africa had a tough choice to make after bundling out Zimbabwe for 68 in their first innings. The choice was between giving their bowlers another run, or asking their batsmen to pad up for one more time. Wisely, they chose the latter to keep themselves well prepared against a batting-heavy Indian side.
‘It was important for us to get overs under the belt and some mileage in the legs’
“There was a bigger picture today and it was important for us to get overs under the belt and some mileage in the legs. For me, in the series coming up (against India), it’s going to be that last session in the day when the ball is soft and conditions are tough. In Cape Town the wind is going to blow, we know that, so for us the best preparation today as a bowling unit was to enforce the follow-on and get the 10 wickets.
Dale Steyn was expected to make a comeback in the day-night Test versus Zimbabwe. Nonetheless, he is gearing up for full fitness ahead of the first Test against India from January 5.
“Dale (Steyn) has been bowling exceptionally well in the nets. He looks strong, he is very fit, and I reckon he would have been a handful on this wicket. It’s another week for him to freshen up. It’s a big time ahead now. For me, it was nice to get wickets under my name so when it comes to selection, for guys to maybe think about me,”concluded Morkel.
