CAPE TOWN – Cricket South Africa have congratulated Proteas paceman Morné Morkel for reaching the 300-wicket milestone in Test cricket on Friday.
Morkel, playing in his final series before retiring from international cricket, claimed the wicket of Australian left-hander Shaun Marsh for 26 in the third Test at Newlands to become the fifth South African to take 300 scalps in the five-day format.
Morkel joins the special club that is headed by former captain Shaun Pollock on 421 wickets, Dale Steyn (419), Makhaya Ntini (390) and Allan Donald (330).
Playing in his 85th Test, Morkel currently has figures of 3/58 in 15 overs on day two.
“Congratulations to Morné on joining the 300 club,” Cricket SA acting chief executive Thabang Moroe said in a statement on Friday.
“He has been one of the stalwarts of our world-class pace attack for more than a decade, and played a major role in some of the Proteas’ outstanding performances in recent times, including away series wins in England and Australia.
“It is wonderful that he is able to finish his career on such a high note against opponents against whom he has produced some of his most memorable performances.”
The 33-year-old Morkel has also taken 188 wickets in 117 ODIs, and 47 wickets in 44 T20 internationals.
Morne Morkel says it's a special feeling to get 300 Test wickets. "To get it at this amazing venue makes it even better." @IOL #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/fGb3SwJhSa
— IOL Sport (@IOLsport) March 23, 2018
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