South Africa’s fast bowler Morne Morkel was down with tears on his eyes when his team South Africa were knocked out of the 2015 World Cup during the semi-final match by the hosts New Zealand. That time, his tears weren’t the mark of weakness, but of power. After all, tears shed for self are tears of weakness, but tears shed for the country are sign of strength.
And this was quite visible when the same fast bowler, Morkel, played the first match of the IPL for the KKR team after that World Cup game. He had everything, which a fast bowler can dream of. Therefore, he wasn’t weak. He was fast and generated lots of pace, bounce and some sharp movements that floored the top-order of the Mumbai Indians.
Morkel bowled four overs, picked up two crucial wickets and conceded only 18 runs with a maiden over. At the end of it, he was adjudged the man of the match and he was finally seen smiling when the TV commentators took a short interview. “With the new ball there was a little bit of swing. The rhythm was good, and I just needed to make the best use of it,” the South African fast bowler said when asked about his match-winning spell.
Morkel also appreciated the crowd support and said that it was a big factor behind the success. “It’s fantastic to be back here in front of an awesome crowd, and to get that first win out of the way. We expected the wicket to turn a little bit more, but the role the spinners played, in slightly tricky conditions, sums up the team,” he said with a little grin on his face. Looks like, he is really back in his elements. Good to see that!
