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Albie Morkel

Albie Morkel 2
Albie Morkel 2 Image: Wikimedia Commons. YellowMonkey/Blnguyen / CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

Johannes Albertus Morkel (born 10 June 1981), better known as Albie Morkel, is a former South African cricketer. A right-arm medium-fast bowler and left-handed batsman, he played as an all-rounder and was identified from an early age as a potential successor to Lance Klusener in the South African set-up. He is particularly noted for his six-hitting ability with the bat.

Key facts

Full name Johannes Albertus Morkel
Known as Albie Morkel
Date of birth 10 June 1981
Nationality South African
Role All-rounder
Batting Left-handed
Bowling Right-arm medium-fast
First-class batting average 44.0
First-class bowling average 29.0
Retired January 2019 (from all forms of cricket)

Background and family

Morkel comes from a cricketing family. His father, Albert Morkel, played provincial cricket in South Africa. His younger brother, Morné Morkel, also represented South Africa in international cricket, primarily as a fast bowler.

Career

Morkel built his reputation as a hard-hitting middle-order batsman who could contribute with useful medium-fast bowling. His first-class numbers, with a batting average of 44.0 and a bowling average of 29.0, reflect his standing as a genuine all-rounder. Comparisons with Lance Klusener followed him through the early part of his career, owing to his power-hitting and bowling profile.

In January 2019, Morkel announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing an end to a long career across domestic, franchise and international formats.

After retirement

Following his playing days, Morkel has been associated with the South Africa national cricket team as a member of their support staff.

Significance

Morkel is regarded as one of South Africa's prominent all-rounders of his generation, valued for his ability to change the course of a match with aggressive batting in the lower middle order while also providing bowling options. His career, alongside that of his brother Morné, made the Morkels one of the better-known cricketing families in South African cricket.

References