Hindustan Times ST (Jaipur)

South Africa will need a team effort to beat India: Morkel

- Agence France Presse sportsdesk@hindustant­imes.com

Morne Morkel is hoping for a chance to put the brakes on the prolific Virat Kohli when South Africa face India.

The one highlight in the field for South Africa was the form of the towering quick bowler Morkel, who took two wickets in four balls on his way to three for 18 in seven overs.

But asked what his plans were for bowling at India’s captain Kohli, who made an unbeaten 81 against Pakistan last weekend, paceman Morkel told reporters: “I was hoping you guys could tell me that. Sunday is a big day for us. It’s going to take a big team effort to knock over India. But we have to back ourselves to win.”

Prior to South Africa’s recent series against England, the 32-year-old had not played an ODI since June 2016. But with wickets likely to be at a premium against India’s powerful top order, Morkel may have done enough to retain his place. “The last eight months there have been a lot of uncertaint­ies,” said Morkel.

“When I got on the field, I said to myself this is really an opportunit­y for me to stand up and unfortunat­ely it wasn’t meant to be. Today, we need to write off, just see it as an average game. Hopefully on Sunday we can turn it up and deliver special.”

I was hoping you guys could tell me that. Sunday is a big day for us. It’s going to take a big team effort to knock over India. .

 ?? HINDUSTAN TIMES ?? Virat Kohli.
HINDUSTAN TIMES Virat Kohli.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from India