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Morne Morkel (Gallo Images)
Great South African Fast Bowling Morne morkel on Friday he signed for him Big Bash League, but as a local instead of international contractor after becoming an Australian permanent resident.
The 36-year-old, who played 86 tryouts and 117 ODIs for the Proteas, moved to Australia in 2018, where he lives with his wife and children, a sports broadcaster.
He obtained the residency this year and put the pen on the paper with the Brisbane heat for the Twenty20 tournament starting December 10.
“I am still enjoying my cricket immensely and the opportunity to be a part of the Heat team is something I am looking forward to,” he said.
“I admit it will be a bit unusual to call myself a local, but we are enjoying living and working here and this is another aspect of our lives that I am looking forward to being a part of.”
BBL rules allow three internationals in the same XI with Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman and English pair Tom Banton and Lewis Gregory already signed by the Heat.
With vast experience, Morkel’s T20 record includes 77 wickets in 70 matches in the Indian Premier League with Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils.
Heat coach Darren Lehmann said he was looking forward to seeing Morkel in action.
“I think his best efforts at bowling came as he got older,” he said. “His control and skill on the ball were his trademarks, so it will be great to introduce him to our group.”
Morkel retired from international cricket in 2018.
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