In preparation for the Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa later this month, former South African fast bowling sensation Morne Morkel has been named to the coaching staff for the New Zealand team. As the Durban Super Giants’ bowling coach for the SA20 competition, Morkel is currently enjoying his job. He will be a part of the New Zealand team as they prepare for their ICC mega event match against Australia.
The 2018 T20 World Cup was held in Australia, and Morne Morkel, who retired from international cricket that year, participated. He served as Namibia’s bowling coach throughout their World Cup run. The former South African superstar has been following the White Ferns’ development since migrating to Australia and is eager to share his playing expertise with them.
“The women’s game is growing so rapidly around the world, and this a great opportunity for me to build experience in the women’s game and share my knowledge of international cricket to help this team get better. I’ve been following the women’s game and the White Ferns closely over the last couple of years, especially since moving to Australia and seeing their players who have played in the Women’s Big Bash,” Morkel said to the press after his appointment.
During his playing career, the towering pacer was a member of a formidable Proteas bowling team that also included players like Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander. The 38-year-old was well known for his aggressive bowling, especially on South African and Australian fast, bouncy wickets. The New Zealand fast bowlers will benefit from his experience playing in African conditions at the international competition in February.
“It’s a talented group of players and they have a very exciting pace bowling attack which I’ll be able to support Ben [Sawyer] with. I know a lot about the South African conditions and have spent a lot of time working here in the past year, so that’ some important knowledge that I’ll be able to share with this group during the tournament,” he added. Later this week, the White Ferns will announce their lineup for the T20 World Cup. The players will fly to South Africa on January 23. On February 11, they will play a match against their Trans-Tasman rivals, Australia.