Johannesburg - Titans allrounder Albie Morkel will not be available to play first-class cricket in the 2016/2017 season.
The Titans limited overs captain, said he wanted to spend more time with his family while allowing other players to rise up through the ranks in first-class cricket, he told the Titans franchise this week.
The 35-year-old compiled 4117 first-class runs at an average of 44.26 and has taken 203 wickets at an average of 30.26 in 77 appearances. The left-handed batsman will still be available for limited over formats for the Titans.
Morkel played just one Test for South Africa in Cape Town in 2009, taking one wicket, but that of the prized scalp of Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Morkel also blasted 58 from 71 balls coming in at number eight to help South Africa post a mammoth 651, which ultimately led to an innings and 20-run victory over the Aussies.
Despite his strong performance on debut, Morkel was never given another chance to play Test cricket for the Proteas. It was in the shorter formats where Morkel was given the chance to excel for his country. In 58 One Day Internationals, Morkel scored 782 runs with a career-highest score of 97 and he also claimed 50 wickets with a best of 4/29.
In 50 T20 Internationals, Morkel scored at a strike-rate of 142 with his heavy bat coming in down the order as a 'finisher'. - African News Agency (ANA)