Sri Lanka vs South Africa: 2nd ODI - 5 talking points

4. Morne Morkel’s spell

Morne Morkel

The surfaces in Sri Lanka are not ideally suited to the style of bowling that Morne Morkel employs. The bounce is usually low, pitches suck the pace out of the delivery, and there is not much movement available for a bowler who hits the deck.

In such a circumstance, Morne Morkel’s spell at the Premadasa Stadium was admirable. He delivered upon the responsibility of providing the early breakthrough and then dismissed Tillakaratne Dilshan who was setting up for a big innings.

It was evident that AB De Villiers was looking for him as soon as another partnership emerged, and he delivered by dismissing stand-in-captain Dinesh Chandimal who was providing the much-required impetus at the latter end of the innings. In the absence of Dale Steyn, Morkel needs to perform in his top-gear while ensuring that he does not suffer any more injuries.