Morkel: Newlands the best venue to play Test cricket

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Morne Morkel

Morne Morkel reflected on a “very, very special day” as he bowled the Proteas to victory in the third Test against Australia at Newlands on Sunday.

The lanky paceman took his 300th wicket in the longest format in the first innings and then followed that up with his eighth five-wicket haul in the second innings as the Proteas won by 322 runs to go 2-1 up in the four-match series.

Australia capitulated from 47/0 to 107 all out with Morkel finishing with figures of 5/23 in 9.4 overs.

Having announced that he will be retiring from international cricket at the end of this series, it was a fitting send-off for the 33-year-old at what he describes as the “best venue to play Test cricket.”

Morkel said after the game: “Today was very, very special. I tried to enjoy it as much as possible. The crowd is always amazing here at Newlands.

“For me, it is the best venue to play Test cricket. Today is the highlight of my life. If I get asked the question again, what is your most memorable or special moment, the answer will definitely be today.

“I am just very happy sitting here right now. Everything happened so quickly out there. At one stage I thought it was going to be a grind.

“(Spinner) Keshav (Maharaj) got the ball rolling and from there, there was just a buzz in the field, an edge in the field. I’m just happy we could wrap it up.”

Morkel, barring injury, will play his final international game in the fourth and final Test at the Wanderers, starting on Friday, as the Proteas look to seal an historic series victory over Aussies.

By Nasri Alexander

Australia tour to South Africa Morne Morkel Newlands Proteas

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