The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Morkel means business

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Tuesday, Jun 12, 2007
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Morkel means business

S. Dinakar

— PHOTO: AFP

RISING STAR: Morne Morkel (centre), with his bounce from a high-arm action, can be deadly on his day.

Chennai: Asked who was the most impressive young performer in three-match Asia-Africa series, Mahela Jayawardene did not take long for an answer.

"Morne Morkel, he was impressive," said the wily Asia skipper.

Morkel means business. Tipped as the next great South African paceman by Allan Donald, the 22-year Noushua Titans cricketer is learning the right qualities from his mentor.

"Donald says `use everything you have got to the fullest extent.' I am 6'5, and manage to get bounce. He also advised me `never let the batsman cover-drive you. This means you are bowling the wrong length. You have to hit the splice,"' Morkel told The Hindu here on Monday.

The South African tests the batsmen with his bounce from a high-arm action. He also wants to put the ball in the right areas. And he is willing to sacrifice speed.

Consistency is the key

Says Morkel, "My quickest ball has been timed at 148 kmph. But it is more important to be accurate. I bowl two deliveries at over 140 kmph in an over, but I essentially strive for consistency."

Talk of consistency and the legendary Glenn McGrath springs to mind. The Aussie is another one of Morkel's idols. "I want to bowl like him, but it is not easy bowling an off-stump line so impeccably, and achieving the right amount of away movement." When Morkel, spearheading Rest of South Africa, sliced through the Indian top-order in the tour game at Potchefstroom last season, his bowling had the right ingredients - lively pace, bounce, off-stump line and away movement.

Yet, becoming a McGrath is a long journey away. Putting it all together day in and day out can be hard. Morkel comprehends the value of sweat.

The paceman is also learning the importance of right technique. "My front leg used to kick out. This put a lot of pressure on my back. Now, my leg is straighter." Morkel spent most of the 2005 season away from the arena, dogged by injury concerns.

After correcting the flaws in his methods, his run-up and action have blended into one rhythmic movement.

He has also found recognition. Morkel was drafted into the South African team for the second Test against India in Durban late last year. He scalped three in the match, bowling better in the second innings.

Special moment

"I got Dhoni with an away-going delivery. He is a dangerous batsman and it was a special moment for me. We won the Test."

Apart from the leg-cutter, Morkel gets the ball to nip back, castles batsmen with yorkers, and forces them to duck and fend. He lacks the liquid pace of Dale Steyn but operates with greater precision.

Morkel's elder brother Albie is a promising batting all-rounder with international experience. Morne can be stubborn with the willow too.

But it is with the ball that this Morkel seems bound for glory.

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