South African pacer Morne Morkel has decided to hang his boots from international cricket after the upcoming series against Australia. He has played 83 Tests, 117 ODIs and 44 T20Is for the Proteas in an international career that began at the Boxing Day Test against India in 2006.

Morkel decided to retire in order take care of his young family and also because of the demanding international schedule. As quoted in Cricbuzz, he said, “It was an extremely tough decision but I feel the time is right to start a new chapter. I have a young family and a foreign wife, and the current demanding international schedule has put a lot of strain on us. I have to put them first and this decision will only benefit us going forward.”

Also read: Morkel's excitement for India series

He further elaborated, “I have loved every minute that I have played in the Proteas jersey, and I am incredibly grateful to my teammates, Cricket South Africa, and my family and friends for the support over the years. I still feel there is a lot of cricket left in me and I am excited for what lies ahead. For now, all of my energy and focus is on helping the Proteas win the upcoming series against Australia.”

Morkel featured in the South African team for all the three Tests and five of the six ODIs in the just-concluded series against India, taking 13 wickets at 20.00 in the Tests. He was scheduled to be rested for the Port Elizabeth ODI but a back injury to Chris Morris meant Morkel was called on to play. He picked up only two wickets from five games at an average of 103.

Morne will have a chance to add to his 529 international scalps when the Australia series gets underway on March 1 with Durban hosting the first of the four-match Test series.

CAS CEO congratulates Morne Morkel for his illustrious career

Cricket South Africa Acting CEO, Thabang Moroe, hailed Morkel’s commitment and contribution towards South African cricket, he said, “On Behalf of Cricket South Africa, I would like to thank Morne for the tremendous and highly valued contribution he has made to South African cricket over the past decade.”

Also read: Morkel was unhappy with the Centurion pitch

He further added, “He has been a regular selection for both the Test and ODI squads since 2008, having made his debut as far back as 2006. He has formed part of the golden era of fast bowlers that have made the South African Test team a champion outfit that is respected throughout the world.”

Moroe concluded by wishing Morkel for all his future endeavors, he said, “Lastly, on behalf of the South African cricket family, our stakeholders and fans around the world, we thank Morne for being both a fine player and an outstanding role model who has made our country proud. We wish him everything of the best in his future endeavors.”