Morkel hopes Steyn's return boosts SA
Paceman Morne Morkel hopes his new-ball partner Dale Steyn will get
fit sooner than later to boost South Africa in the last two one-day
matches against Pakistan.
"Dale is world number one, anybody will miss Dale, espcially for me
bowling with him," Morkel, 26, told reporters ahead of Friday's fourth
one-dayer in the five-match series which South Africa lead by 2-1.
"As a unit we create a lot of pressure together and I hope he gets
fit and returns to the field as soon as possible," said Morkel of the
27-year-old paceman who missed both the Twenty20 and all three one-day
matches on the tour.
Management
Team management said Steyn bowled in the nets and will be monitored
before a decision is taken on him before Friday's match.
Steyn suffered a head injury while taking a catch in last month's
Champions League held in South Africa.
South Africa, who won the Twenty20 series 2-0, won the first match by
eight wickets before Pakistan outlasted them by one wicket in the second
match - both played in Abu Dhabi.
Hashim Amla struck a fighting hundred and Morkel took 4-47 as South
Africa survived a last-over scare to win the third match in Dubai on
Tuesday.
Problems
Morkel said Steyn's return will also help in solving the death-over
problems for the team.
"Dale is a key player and also makes a big difference for us into
that powerplay and death overs," said Morkel of the final 10 overs when
South Africa failed to restrict Pakistan in the last two matches.
Morkel hoped the final 10 over problem for South Africa will be
solved in time for next year's World Cup, jointly hosted by India, Sri
Lanka and Bangladesh. "I think it's (final overs problem) not only for
us, but a problem for other teams as well. We saw in Australia and Sri
Lanka that the last 10 overs and the batting power play can change the
game.
World Cup
"We are working on it and I am sure that in time for the World Cup,
when it matters, we will get that sorted but its an area we have
identified and are working on it," said Morkel.
Morkel said his team was looking to win the one-day series against
Pakistan.
"The last one-day win has given us good momentum and we want to end
our one-day campaign on a good note, two games to go now and we want to
win both," said Morkel.
Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi hoped his team would bounce back on
Friday.
"We know it's a crucial match for us and we want to win that and set
up a final showdown in the last match (on Sunday)," said Afridi, hinting
off-spinner Saeed Ajmal may be replaced with left-ar spinner Abdul
Rehman. DUBAI, Friday, AFP |