Image Credit- AFP
A month before his contract was about to end, Morne
Morkel resigned from his position as Pakistan’s fast-bowling coach.
Following Pakistan’s official withdrawal from the ODI
World Cup, the PCB confirmed in a brief statement on Monday that Morkel had
resigned and that a replacement will be revealed “in due course”.
There was no explanation given for the change.
A coaching staff reorganisation that saw Mickey
Arthur’s return to the position of team director included the appointment of
Morkel in June of this year. In July, Morkel’s first duty with the team was to
play two Test matches in Sri Lanka, which Pakistan won 2-0. After that,
Pakistan won all three of their One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against
Afghanistan in Sri Lanka. However, their Asia Cup campaign ended in
disappointment as they were unable to advance to the final due to injuries to
fast-bowling players Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. Naseem’s shoulder ailment
later prevented him from competing in the World Cup.
When it comes to his position, Morkel was at his best
during the series against Afghanistan and the first few days of the Asia Cup,
leading three of the world’s best and most consistent fast bowlers. Shaheen
Afridi, Naseem and Haris were all at the height of their game, combining to
form a powerful three-man attack, vividly displaying their potential in an
ultimately washed-out game against India where they grabbed all ten wickets
after ripping through the Indian top order.
Now that Morkel is an Australian citizen, there was
speculation that he would play for Pakistan on their next away trip of
Australia, which consists of three Test matches in December and January.
However, that has since altered.