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Morkel Proteas's new Polly?
28/02/2008 22:17 - (SA)
Johann de Jager
Chittagong - All-rounder Albie Morkel has been earmarked to step into Shaun Pollock's big boots in the South African limited-overs cricket team.
The 34-year-old Pollock retired recently and the Proteas now go into a three-match ODI series against Bangladesh without the star all-rounder who was their anchor player for so many seasons.
"Albie will in all likelihood be involved a lot more from now on," Proteas captain Graeme Smith said here on Thursday.
South Africa will also be without Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher and Makhaya Ntini when the series starts here on March 9. The three veterans are being given a break before the start of the tour of India.
Show how much depth was available
A couple of players are expected to make their debut against Bangladesh, but those who have been around for a while will have to carry the can.
Smith said the SA squad chosen for the series would show how much depth was available.
"The first challenge is to find someone to take over from Shaun as new-ball bowler."
"To fill his boots will be a major challenge because we could always rely on Shaun when things got tough. We're going to miss him," Smith said.
However, Smith believes the departure of a senior creates opportunities for young players.
No one will just take over from Pollock but a player such as Dale Steyn has a chance to make his mark with the new ball.
Champions Trophy tournament next highlight
The captain would also like to see Morkel seize his opportunity. Vernon Philander is another all-rounder who is back in the squad.
After the first ODI against Bangladesh the teams will go to Dhaka for the last two matches, on March 12 and 14.
The South Africans will now also set their sights on the Champions Trophy tournament to be held in Pakistan in September and October.
The 2011 World Cup tournament will also be played on the sub-continent.
- Volksblad
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