Morne Morkel joins New Zealand Women's coaching staff for T20 WC 2023
Morne Morkel in action [Source: Twitter]
New Zealand Cricket has roped in the services of former South African bowler Morne Morkel for the White Ferns for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023, to be held in South Africa.
Morkel will be part of the New Zealand Women's team's coaching staff for the marquee event.
The former speedster will join the team as a 'tour coach', offer advice on fast bowling, and provide backroom support.
The 38-year-old is currently working with the Durban Super Giants as a bowling coach in the inaugural SA20 tournament and will join the White Ferns ahead of their opening encounter against Australia.
In a statement, Morkel admitted to relishing the chance to work in women's cricket and backed New Zealand Women to go all the way.
Here's what Morkel said
"The opportunity to join the White Ferns group and get involved in the women's game was a no-brainer for me. The women's game is growing so rapidly around the world, and this a great opportunity for me to build experience in the women's game and share my knowledge of international cricket to help this team get better,
"I have very high expectations to go all the way. In the World Cup you need players to step up to the plate – there’s a lot of pressure in World Cups."
The team's head coach Ben Sawyer welcomed the former Proteas bowler into the set-up, addressing him as an asset due to his experience.
Here's what Sawyer said
"Morne had an outstanding international record as a player, and his first-hand experience in major international tournaments, coupled with his knowledge of the conditions in South Africa, will make him a huge asset."
Morkel earlier worked with Namibia as their bowling coach in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. The Proteas pacer has 544 international wickets from 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is.
.jpeg "This is massive!")
 "Vishal Mehra")
