Morne Morkel is determined to represent South Africa at the 2019 World Cup

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

South Africa head coach Ottis Gibson has said that pace bowler Morne Morkel is still dedicated to representing his country and has his sights set on the 2019 World Cup.

Gibson’s comments come after there was speculation that Morkel had been approached by at least three county teams in England to sign a Kolpak deal.

Prior to the recently concluded series against Bangladesh, Morkel, who is currently out of action with a side strain, admitted that he would consider a Kolpak deal if he wasn’t part of Gibson’s plans going forward.

However, Gibson reiterated that Morkel is committed to the Proteas and added that the 33-year-old is set to make his comeback early next year.

“Morne is pretty committed to the Proteas over the next couple of years,” Gibson was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “Obviously, the World Cup is a big thing. He is well aware that there can be no guarantees with regards to that. When it comes to 2019, it will be form, fitness, conditions that sort of thing.

“We had a good, honest discussion and he has committed his future to us over the next couple of years.”

With their series against Bangladesh over, South Africa’s next assignment will be the first-ever four-day Test match against Zimbabwe on Boxing Day.