Injury forces Morne Morkel out of the Champions Trophy

Morne Morkel

Adding to the woes of the South African side, their premier fast bowler Morne Morkel has been ruled out of this year’s Champions Trophy following a quad strain he picked up during South Africa’s opening match against India at Cardiff yesterday.

Morkel bowled only 6.5 overs in the match, and had to leave the field without completing his spell including the over he was bowling, which was later completed by Robin Peterson. However he came to bat in the second innings after the nine wickets fell for the Proteas with a significant amount of runs still to be chased for the win.

An MRI scan after the match confirmed that it was a grade 1 injury, and it may take minimum of three weeks for him to recover completely. South Africa will announce his replacement shortly. It will come as a big blow to the South African side, as it will weaken their bowling to a large extent with Dale Steyn also doubtful for the future games.