AFP, Birmingham :
Morne Morkel is hoping for a chance to put the brakes on the prolific Virat Kohli when South Africa face India in their final Champions Trophy group match this weekend.
Sunday’s clash against the title-holders at the Oval has taken on added significance for the Proteas after a shock defeat by Pakistan at Edgbaston on Wednesday.
The one highlight in the field for South Africa was the form of the towering quick bowler Morkel, who took two wickets in four balls on his way to three for 18 in seven overs.
But asked what his plans were for bowling at India’s captain Kohli, who made an unbeaten 81 against Pakistan last weekend, paceman Morkel told reporters: “I was hoping you guys could tell me that.
“Sunday is a big day for us. It’s going to take a big team effort to knock over India. But we have to back ourselves to win.” Prior to South Africa’s recent series against England, the 32-year-old had not played an ODI since June 2016, with Proteas coach Russell Domingo worried his inclusion lengthened the batting tail.
But with wickets likely to be at a premium against India’s powerful top order, Morkel, a veteran of 111 ODIs, may have done enough to retain his place.
“The last eight months there have been a lot of uncertainties,” said Morkel.
Morne Morkel is hoping for a chance to put the brakes on the prolific Virat Kohli when South Africa face India in their final Champions Trophy group match this weekend.
Sunday’s clash against the title-holders at the Oval has taken on added significance for the Proteas after a shock defeat by Pakistan at Edgbaston on Wednesday.
The one highlight in the field for South Africa was the form of the towering quick bowler Morkel, who took two wickets in four balls on his way to three for 18 in seven overs.
But asked what his plans were for bowling at India’s captain Kohli, who made an unbeaten 81 against Pakistan last weekend, paceman Morkel told reporters: “I was hoping you guys could tell me that.
“Sunday is a big day for us. It’s going to take a big team effort to knock over India. But we have to back ourselves to win.” Prior to South Africa’s recent series against England, the 32-year-old had not played an ODI since June 2016, with Proteas coach Russell Domingo worried his inclusion lengthened the batting tail.
But with wickets likely to be at a premium against India’s powerful top order, Morkel, a veteran of 111 ODIs, may have done enough to retain his place.
“The last eight months there have been a lot of uncertainties,” said Morkel.
