Morne Morkel announcing his retirement was like bolt out of blue. Against India, he looked as menacing as ever, picking up 13 wickets at 20.
A series prior to that, he picked up his first five-wicket haul in five years, against Zimbabwe.
Citing young family, Morkel has decided to call it quits from all formats. The question is whether will he sign Kolpak deal like his former teammate Kyle Abott.
Despite a career-threatening injury in 2016, Morkel managed to make a comeback against New Zealand, and went on to become leading wicket-taker in England as man of the series.
The quick started his career against India in 2006, with 3-83 at Durban, which included a prized first-ever scalp of MS Dhoni.
He went on to become regular member in the team from 2009, when Makhaya Ntini was dropped from the team against visiting England.
In 2010, he had his best season, taking 49 Test wickets – although in 2012 he was close, with almost 40 wickets, including career-best figures of 6-23 at Wellington.
In the 2012 IPL he was leading wicket-taker too, taking 25 wickets at 18 and an economy of 7.
With success in India, Australia, New Zealand and England, he is a complete bowler, an outstanding servant for South Africa and a role model for youngsters. His aggression, zip, bounce and carry to the keeper will be dearly missed.
Saurebh Gandle
Roar Guru
Rabada ,I agree but apart from Rabada can you tell me anyone who can ball as fast as Morkel and has longetivity of him. Perhaps no.
Saurebh Gandle
Roar Guru
Yes because but his average of 28.08 is still good enough and not to forget he did the work for Steyn,Philander and stood up when they couldn't lead the attack.
Paul
Roar Guru
I hope you didn't make up the headline for this article, Saurabh? Your story is very well written, but Morkel is not a dying breed of bowler, SA alone has Rabada and Ngidi; tall, fast and can get the ball up off a length. I reckon he also helped so many SA bowlers get wickets because he was so difficult to face in his prime. Morkel might not have got players out but he really rattled them then Steyn and others cleaned up.
JamesH
Roar Guru
I still remember watching footage of that spell against Clarke in 2014. It was brutal. Captivating cricket from both players, although in a way it sums Morkel up a bit - he always seemed to bowl just a bit too short, so that he caused problems for batsmen but didn't get as many wickets as he should have.