Morkel to retire from international cricket after Australia series

Johannesburg : South Africa pacer  Morne Morkel on Monday announced that he will retire from all formats of international cricket after the four-match Test series against Australia which starts in Durban on Thursday.

The 33-year-old has played 83 Tests, 117 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 44 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in a career spanning 12 years.

Morkel said: “It was an extremely tough decision but I feel the time is right to start a new chapter. I have a young family and a foreign wife, and the current demanding international schedule has put a lot of strain on us. I have to put them first and this decision will only benefit us going forward.

“I have loved every minute that I have played in the Proteas jersey, and I am incredibly grateful to my team mates, Cricket South Africa, and my family and friends for the support over the years.

“I still feel there is a lot of cricket left in me and I am excited for what lies ahead. For now, all of my energy and focus is on helping the Proteas win the upcoming series against Australia.”

The right-arm pacer has taken 294 Test wickets which includes seven five-wicket hauls. He has registered 529 scalps across the three formats.

IANS