Proteas put their faith in Morkel

Morne Morkel (above) might have not played a Test for 14 months, but the Proteas re-affirmed their faith in the lanky quick ahead of today’s first Test against New Zealand in Dunedin.

Morkel was set to return to the Test side early this morning after only playing one 50-over match for the Titans recently after returning from a lengthy back injury.

Captain Faf du Plessis admitted the selectors were taking a gamble by picking Morkel, who was ruled out of this year’s Sri Lanka Test series after his back flared up.

“He looks good. If he is not going to be able play now, then we will never know if we don’t take the chance. He is a fantastic bowler,” Du Plessis told local media.

“All the reports say he is 100% fine. He’s bowled a lot of overs and he is pretty confident. He will just have to step out and see what he can do.”

Morkel, who edged out Duanne Olivier as the third seamer, was picked in part to target New Zealand’s three left-handed top-order batsmen.

“That’s one of the reasons he got the nod ahead of Duanne,” Du Plessis said. “You’ve got to make sure you pick your strongest team for the guys you are playing against. Bounce is a huge factor and the angle of the ball as it comes out of his hand – it goes either into right-handers and away from left-handers.

“He’s terrible to face in the nets as a right-hander because you always feel like it’s going to hit you in the ribs.”

Morkel has taken 242 wickets in 71 Tests at an average of 29.3 since making his debut against India in Durban just over a decade ago. He recorded his best bowling figures in a Test innings – 6/32 – against the Black Caps during the drawn third Test in Wellington on the Proteas’ previous visit to New Zealand.

The Proteas have a proud record in New Zealand, never having lost a series. In fact, the Kiwis have only ever beaten South Africa once in all of 17 matches at home, a nine-wicket win under captain Stephen Fleming at Eden Park in Auckland way back in 2004. – Sports Staff

All the reports say he is 100% fine. He’s bowled a lot of overs and he is pretty confident.

Faf du Plessis Proteas captain