CRICKET NEWS - The former Proteas all-rounder had his critics, but was adored in India and differentiated himself as a dynamic T20 performer.
The big-hitting exploits of Albie Morkel will no longer be seen on cricket fields after the explosive all-rounder announced his retirement on Wednesday from all forms of cricket.
The stalwart and limited-overs captain has called time on an illustrious career spanning two decades with immediate effect.
In first-class cricket, Morkel amassed more than 4 000 runs in 77 matches, with a career-best unbeaten 204 against the Cape Cobras in the 2004-2005 SuperSport Series.
He also captured 203 wickets.
While success prevailed with the red ball, it was in the shorter format that he proved most destructive.
Overall, his one-day career has seen him score in excess of 8 000 runs across both limited-overs formats while garnering 462 wickets.
The 37-year-old made his final appearance for the Sky Blues in October last year during the Abu Dhabi T20, where the Centurion franchise finished runners-up in the inaugural tournament.
Limited-overs captain since the 2015-16 season, he was a giant figure in the changeroom, with his quiet, but strong leadership inspiring others.
“Time has run out for me on the cricket field, and I would like to announce my retirement from the game. The last 20 years of my life took me on an incredible journey, with so many awesome memories that I will cherish forever,” he said.
