Domingo: A lot to be excited about with Morris

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Cricket365
January 14, 2016

South Africa coach Russell Domingo believes there is a lot to be excited about the way allrounder Chris Morris played on his Test debut against England at Newlands last week.

Morris came back from rather underwhelming bowling figures of one for 150 in the first innings to score 69 with the bat, then follow that up an encouraging one for 24 in his second stint at the bowling crease as well as two outstanding catches in the slips.

Domingo feels Morris can play the same role as Proteas legends Shaun Pollock and Lance Klusener did for the side in the late 90s and early into the new millennium.

Asked if Morris met his expectations on his debut, Domingo said: "Absolutely. We've always spoken of our vulnerability of our lower order; not through their fault but our best bowlers are generally just bowlers and not all-rounders.

"We are not as blessed with all-rounders as we maybe were in the past. Chris Morris is definitely someone that we're looking at to fulfil that type of role that a Shaun Pollock or a Lance Klusener used to do in the past.

"A guy who can bowl really well and offer us something with the bat. I was very pleased with his batting performance; with his bowling as well. I thought his first spell on the first day was really good.

"He bowled outstandingly in the second innings, so there is a lot to be excited about with Chris Morris. Good package in the field, took some outstanding catches so for a debutant you can't be too disappointed with that performance."

The Proteas will be hoping to level the four-match Test series against the touring England side when the third Test gets underway in Johannesburg on Thursday.