Morne Morkel contemplating Kolpak deal, seeks clarity and communication from CSA

There were rumors doing the rounds about Morne Morkel’s alleged Kolpak deal interests. The fast bowler cleared the air and didn’t keep his cards close to his chest about his playing future with the Proteas. With the appointment of a new coach – Ottis Gibson – Morkel wants clarity and effective communication going forward in order to make decisions next year.

Currently, the right-arm bowler has a one-year contract with the CSA and is committed to serving the South African side till it expires. However, Morkel wants to know what the incoming coach’s plan is for the future. South Africa is blessed to have a lot of options in the fast bowling department and Morkel no longer has an assured spot in both red and white ball cricket.

Morkel wants to play 2019 WC

With the World Cup not too far away, Morkel said that he will communicate with the coach about his role in white-ball cricket. If he no longer fits in the Proteas plan then he may take the Kolpak deal next year.

“I am 32 and it is one of the conversations I am going to have with Ottis to find out where I fit in with white-ball cricket, and if there are any plans for me in 2019,” Morkel was quoted saying at SuperSport Park, where he’s representing Titans against Dolphins in the ongoing Sunfoil series.

“Are they going to look to rebuild for the World Cup? I need to see what is going to happen. Am I going to miss out? I don’t know when they are going to make the shift of bringing in younger players, those are all the things that must be communicated.”

Morkel doesn’t want to warm the bench

Morkel stressed the importance of the expiry date attached with cricketers and would want to utilize the last few years of his playing years rather than biding time in the sidelines.

“As long as there is communication and things are clear, I can’t afford to sit on the sidelines for the next two years and not play cricket. It is all about timing and communication. I need to know what is their thinking for the next two years,” said Morkel.

“Obviously you need to look at options. The most important thing is communication from the top to create a situation where we know where we stand. That is the main thing that we ask for as players.

“At the end of the day as a cricketer, you need to look at the options because we have a lifespan. But if there is communication and you know where you stand, then it is easier for everyone.”

With the advent of Kagiso Rabada and the likes of Wayne Parnell, Chris Morris, and Duanne Olivier waiting in the wings beside legendary fast bowler Dale Steyn, Morkel faces stiff competition which he calls healthy and motivating. In 78 Test matches, Morkel has scalped 272 wickets at 29.01. He also has an impressive ODI record, a tally of 186 wickets from 112 games at 24.48 and an economy rate of under 5 runs an over. It will be interesting to see what construes for the big fast bowler in the near future.