Morris seeking all-round performance
CHRIS MORRIS admits he hasn’t performed consistently at international level but is looking forward to correcting that in Australia as he seeks to secure a spot for next year’s World Cup.
Morris has all the necessary tools to thrive for the Proteas. He displayed his talents on the biggest stage – the ball that ripped through Joe Root in the second Test in England last year stands out, as does his innings of 63 off 38 balls to beat England at the Wanderers in 2016. A period out with a back injury has allowed him time to start to address those issues.
“The selectors know what I can do, they’ve seen it domestically,” Morris said Wednesday after he’d been picked in the squad for the month-long trip Down Under that will see the Proteas face Australia in three ODIs and one T20 International. “Admittedly I’ve not done what I can in international cricket. I’ve just not stepped up to the plate consistently, there’ve only been glimpses.”
Morris has played just four Tests, and his 34 One-Day International caps have been scattered over five years.
“To have the opportunity to tour with the Proteas again is very special. I’ve worked quite hard in the last five months to get myself back on the park. When I got back playing, the first thing I had to do, was perform for the Titans, I feel I’ve done quite nicely so far, and the next step is to perform for the Proteas.”
Morris has played both of the Titans two four-day matches this season, bowling 56 overs in those two matches, while in the Abu Dhabi T20 League, he hit 46 off 14 balls in one match and picked up two wickets in that competition.
Australia will be a significant examination for Morris and the Proteas regardless of recent struggles in the aftermath of the sand paper scandal that occurred when they toured here earlier this year and led to lengthy bans for their two premier batsmen, Steve Smith and David Warner. “After what happened to them when they were here, I expect the Aussies will come out all guns blazing.
“Australia, at home are a formidable side, no matter what team they put together, whether that’s the stalwarts or the youngsters that are coming through.
“It’s my first tour to Australia, it’s an exciting tour for me, and we are under no elusions that we will face a barrage of fast bowling and big hits.”