South African fast bowler Morne Morkel said that he was happy he got some match practice ahead of hosting India for a three-Test series in the four-day Test against Zimbabwe. He took a five-wicket haul in what was his return to international cricket after injury.

During a chat with the reporters after the match, Morkel said, “There was a bigger picture today and it was important for us to get overs under the belt and some mileage in the legs. For me, in the series coming up (against India), it’s going to be that last session in the day when the ball is soft and conditions are tough. In Cape Town the wind is going to blow, we know that, so for us, the best preparation today as a bowling unit was to enforce the follow-on and get the 10 wickets.”

The Zimbabwe team was bundled out in just two days in what was supposed to be a four-day Test match. However, Morkel will also be accompanied by Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn in the pace department. Steyn is expected to be completely fit for the first Test against India and had sat out the four-day Test versus Zimbabwe.

Talking about Steyn, Morne said, “(Dale) has been bowling exceptionally well in the nets. He looks strong, he is very fit, and I reckon he would have been a handful on this wicket. It’s another week for him to freshen up. It’s a big-time ahead now. For me, it was nice to get wickets under my name so when it comes to selection, for guys to maybe think about me.”