Morne Morkel to bid adieu to International Cricket after Australia series

Cape Town: South African speedster Morne Morkel announced his retirement plan on Monday, saying that the four-Test home series against Australia is going to be his last in International Cricket.

"It was an extremely tough decision but I feel the time is right to start a new chapter," Morkel said. "I have a young family and a foreign wife, and the current demanding international schedule has put a lot of strain on us. I have to put them first and this decision will only benefit us going forward.

"I have loved every minute that I have played in the Proteas jersey, and I am incredibly grateful to my team mates, Cricket South Africa, and my family and friends for the support over the years. I still feel there is a lot of Cricket left in me and I am excited for what lies ahead. For now, all of my energy and focus is on helping the Proteas win the upcoming series against Australia."

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Earlier in 2017, Morkel was pursued by at least three countries for a Kolpak signing for the 2018 season. It was expected that he might be looking for options then, a nd finally he is saying good bye to International Cricket when the fourth Test against Australia ends on April 3, 2018 in Johanneburg. The first Test will begin on March 1.

If the tall paceman plays all the four matches, he will finish with 87 Test matches and will also add some more wickets to his talley of 294 wickets in the format.