SA vs AUS 2018: Morne Morkel's Decision to Retire Pretty Disappointing - Graeme Smith

Former Proteas skipper Graeme Smith has backed Morne Morkel to come good in the remaining three Tests against Australia.

He had a poor outing in the opening Test of the four-match Test series against the Aussies. However, Smith backed Morkel to improve in the 2^nd Test scheduled to start from March 9 in Port Elizabeth.

“Because there are so many eyes on this series, people were saying ‘Is it worth it, playing Ngidi in the next Test?’. I think it’s worth giving Morkel another go. I just worry that Ngidi is maybe not fit enough or mature enough yet to carry that third seamer role and the number of overs and the responsibility that will come with it. If South Africa were going with four seamers then Ngidi definitely comes into the reckoning, but as the third seamer role Morkel, definitely, no doubt deserves more of a go,” Smith was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Morkel Announces His Retirement

Morkel announced on February 26 he would be stepping down from all forms of international cricket following the conclusion of the four-match Test series against the Aussies.

Smith was the skipper of Morkel in 56 Tests. Speaking on his decision to retire, Smith said “disappointing”.

“Very disappointing I guess, this outing,” Smith said.

It took the world by shock when he announced his retirement from international cricket. He was at his best during 2017 and bagged 39 wickets. He even bagged 13 wickets during the Test series against India which South Africa won by a 2-1 margin.

“It was an extremely tough decision, but I feel the time is right to start a new chapter. I have a young family and a foreign wife, and the current demanding international schedule has put a lot of strain us. I have to put them first, and this decision will only benefit us going forward,” Morkel was quoted as saying by the ANI after announcing his retirement.

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