Former South Africa Quick Wants To See Faf du Plessis At T20 World Cup

ICC T20 World Cup captain Faf du Plessis is a superb hitter, and former South Africa quick Morne Morkel urges selectors to take a chance and put him in the Proteas side. 

Du Plessis no longer has a playing contract with Cricket South Africa, but the 37-year-old proved he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level by scoring 468 runs for Royal Challengers Bangalore during the most recent IPL competition. 

Selectors will have to decide whether to select du Plessis in their team for this year’s 20-over showcase after passing over the experienced right-hander for last year’s T20 World Cup in Dubai. 

Morne Morkel Backs Faf Du Plessis For T20 World Cup

Du Plessis should be taken into consideration for the four-week competition, according to a recent suggestion from former South Africa captain Graeme Smith, and Morkel concurs. 

At a Melbourne event to commemorate 100 days till the start of the T20 World Cup in Australia, Morkel said to ICC Digital, “You want all your big-name players to compete and Faf is still playing well at the age of 37.” 

“He is still playing well, moving well in the field and he has done exceptionally well for RCB (in the IPL). 

“I would like to see those experienced players in the side. That is up to them (Cricket South Africa) to work out, but I am definitely a big fan of it.” 

Morne Morkel Optimistic About South Africa’s Chances At The T20 World Cup

Regardless matter whether du Plessis is selected for South Africa’s squad, Morkel is still optimistic that his old team can compete at the T20 World Cup this year. 

The Proteas’ most recent T20 series against India ended in a 2-2 draw away from home, and they boast a frightening bowling attack that is anchored by tall fast Kagiso Rabada and seasoned spinner Tabraiz Shamsi. 

Last year’s competition saw those two take eight wickets each, and Morkel anticipates a performance along those lines this year. 

“I honestly believe they have an attack that is going to suit these conditions well,” Morkel noted. 

“Kagiso Rabada is a world class performer, Anrich Nortje did very well at the IPL and Shamsi is a quality spinner. 

“I do believe that it is a well-balanced squad and in T20 cricket these days the teams are so close.” 

Temba Bavuma Will Do Well In Big Australian Grounds: Morne Morkel

Morkel, a former pacer, feels South Africa can win with the bat, and he is optimistic about the Proteas’ top-order, which has Quinton de Kock and captain Temba Bavuma. 

“From a batting perspective, you can’t not mention Quinton De Kock as he has been in some fantastic form,” Morkel said. 

“Aiden Markram is another quality player, while Bevuma finds the way to score runs and rotate the strike although he is not is not your conventional T20 player. 

“On these big fields (in Australia) where you can hit pockets and run well, he is going to be a big player.” 

The T20 World Cup begins on October 16; South Africa’s opening game will take place on October 24 in Hobart against a First Round qualifier. 

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