Morne Morkel Joins Brisbane Heat As Local Player

Former South Africa fast bowler Morne Morkel joined Brisbane Heat for the upcoming season of Big Bash League (BBL). Morkel joins the side with the experience of featuring in 86 Tests, 117 ODIs and 44 T20Is for the Proteas. He has signed with the club as a locally qualified player.

According to an official media release, Morkel, 36, and his wife, leading sports broadcaster Roz Kelly, have two children and live in Australia. The fast bowler was a replacement International player for one game for the Perth Scorchers last summer but has signed for the full season for Brisbane after gaining permanent residency.

I am still enjoying my cricket enormously: Morne Morkel

Morkel retired from international cricket in 2018 with 306 Test wickets and 180 ODI wickets to his name. His T20 record includes 77 wickets in 70 matches at 7.69 in the Indian Premier League. Heat coach Darren Lehmann said he was eagerly anticipating Morkel’s turn in teal for the summer.

“I am still enjoying my cricket enormously and the chance to be part of the Heat squad is something I am keen to experience,’’ he said.

“I admit it will be a bit unusual to call myself a local, but we are enjoying living and working here and this is another aspect of our lives that I am looking forward to being a part of.”

He played for the Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils franchises, where he was captained by current Brisbane assistant coach and foundation Heat player James Hopes.

The Heat open its season in Canberra on 11 December against the Melbourne Stars followed by a clash with the Sydney Thunder on 14 December at Manuka Oval before returning home to play the next block of games.

The Heat will host the Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba on 23 December and the Hobart Hurricanes on 27 December as well as being the ‘away’ team on 30 December when they clash with the Hurricanes in the return clash at the Gabba.