Concern over Albie Morkel

COLOMBO: The Proteas continue to sweat over the fitness of all-rounder Albie Morkel on the eve of their opening ICC World Twenty20 encounter against Zimbabwe at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium tomorrow.

Morkel’s initial “minor” back injury seems to be more serious than originally feared after the Titans star was sent for a scan yesterday at a Colombo hospital, which produced “inconclusive results”.

He will now have a fitness test before the 4pm (SA time) start.

The 31-year-old sustained the injury while hitting a six in SA’s warm-up match against New Zealand on Monday, before aggravating it during his bowling stintwhere he left the field after receiving on-field treatment from Proteas physiotherapist Brendon Jackson.

Team manager Mohammed Moosajee said: “Albie woke up feeling much better this morning [Tuesday], but we sent him for a scan as a precautionary measure.

Inconclusive

“The results from the scan are inconclusive, but the positive aspect for us is that he is improving by the day.

“He will continue to receive treatment from Jackson, and a decision on his availability for our opening match of the ICC World Twenty20 will only be taken on Thursday morning – subject to him passing a fitness test.”

Morkel’s sustained fitness has been a constant issue for SA recently.

He was plagued by an abdominal injury that ruled him out the Australian T20 series at the beginning of last season, while he carried an ankle sprain throughout the England tour.

His non-availability will affect the overall balance of SA’s final XI. Morkel’s seam bowling is a useful option for captain AB de Villiers, while his big-hitting at the back end of the innings is vital to the Proteas’ cause.

His absence, though, could open the door for Titans teammate Farhaan Behardien to push his way into the starting line-up should SA opt for an extra batsman, although leftarm swing bowlers Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Wayne Parnell could be reunited if the bowling option is sought after.