Morris puzzled by Proteas

MORRIS: ROYALS SHELL OUT BIG DOLLARS BUT HE CAN’T CRACK NATIONAL NOD

Titans all-rounder has had no contact from SA management over a potential role in the side.

The incredible fee of around R32 million Rajasthan Royals paid last week for Chris Morris shows just how highly the 33-year-old all-rounder is rated in the Indian Premier League, but it is a level of admiration he has battled to gain in South Africa.

Morris said yesterday that he has had no contact from Proteas management over a role in the national side.

In a World Cup year – the ICC World T20 will be held in India in October/November – that is strange.

Not just because he is the most expensive player ever sold at auction in cricket’s premier T20 tournament but also because of his extensive knowledge of conditions in India and the fact that South Africa have battled to fill the match-winning all-rounder berth in their team.

Morris has been in outstanding form with the ball for the Titans in the T20 Challenge, conceding just 67 runs in 14.2 overs and taking five wickets.

His economy rate of 4.67 is second only to that of Keshav Maharaj.

“I have no answer as to why I’m maybe not rated as highly back at home, it’s a difficult question, but I have had a few good tournaments in the IPL and consistency is a big thing over there.

“My focus at the moment is 100% on the Titans and then the IPL is coming up, but I would have a conversation with the Proteas if it happens. The thing is no-one has come to speak to me.

“We had many conversations in the past and just after the World Cup (50-overs in England in 2019) I sat down with Ottis Gibson (the then coach) and the decision was made that I should play in the leagues around the world. We agreed I was going to move on and that was a while ago,” Morris said yesterday.

“But the Proteas all-rounder spot has obviously been spoken about for a long time.”

Morris described the IPL bidding war that resulted in him securing the record fee as a “lottery” and “a very big surprise”.

It’s a viewpoint surely supported by him being passed over for The Hundred, being played in the United Kingdom from this week.

Picture: Gallo Images GREAT VALUE. Proteas all-rounder Chris Morris is hoping his massive IPL contract and his recent good form in the shortest format of the game will see him making his way back into the national team set-up.