Morne Morkel set to join NZ Women’s coaching staff for the upcoming T20 World Series

New Zealand have appointed former SA pacer Morne Morkel to be a part of the backroom staff during the forthcoming Women’s T20 World Series in South Africa, starting February 10. 

Morkel was recently a part of Namibia's coaching staff for the 2022 Men’ T20 World Series in Australia and is now set to link up with the White Ferns. He will join in as the ‘tour coach’, offering fast bowling and general coaching support during the showpiece event. Presently the bowling coach of DSG in the inaugural edition of the SA20 League, Morkel will take up the role with the New Zealand squad ahead of their opening group clash against Australia. 

Morkel said given the fast growth of the game, he is looking forward to the opportunity of grooming a women’s team. 

"The opportunity to join the White Ferns group and get involved in the women's game was a no-brainer for me," said Morkel. "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've been following the women's game and the White Ferns closely over the last couple of years, especially since moving to Australia and seeing their players who have played in the Women's Big Bash [League]. It's a talented group of players and they have a very exciting pace bowling attack which I'll be able to support Ben [Sawyer, head coach] with," he added.

"I know a lot about the South African conditions and have spent a lot of time working here in the past year, so that's some important knowledge that I'll be able to share with this group during the tournament."

Morkel represented SA in 86 Tests, 117 ODIs and 44 T20Is between 2006 and 2018, picking 544 wickets. The speedster featured in eight World Series for his nation and also competed in T20 leagues globally, including the Indian T20 League, English T20 League and the Australian T20 League. 

"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," Sawyer said.

"He was one of the best in the world as a player, so it will be a fantastic opportunity for our pace bowling group in particular to learn and develop alongside one of the very best.

"It's also a great nod for women's cricket and the White Ferns, that an individual with credentials such as Morne wants to be involved, and highlights NZC's commitment to developing the women's game.

New Zealand is likely to name the World Series squad on Friday (January 20) before leaving for South Africa on the following Monday (January 23). 

Following their opening match against the reigning champions on February 11*, New Zealand will face hosts South Africa (February 13*), Bangladesh (February 17*), and Sri Lanka (February 19*) in their remaining group fixtures.