Retired South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has signed on for the Big Bash League (BBL), but as a local rather than international after becoming an Australian permanent resident.
The 36-year-old, who played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs and 44 T20Is for the Proteas, moved to Australia in 2018, where he lives with his wife and children.
‘STILL ENJOYING MY CRICKET ENORMOUSLY’
He gained residency this year and put pen to paper with the Brisbane Heat for the Twenty20 tournament starting on December 10.
“I am still enjoying my cricket enormously and the chance to be part of the Heat squad is something I am keen to experience,” he said.
“I admit it will be a bit unusual to call myself a local, but we are enjoying living and working here and this is another aspect of our lives that I am looking forward to being a part of.”
BBL rules allow three internationals in the same XI with Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman and English pair Tom Banton and Lewis Gregory already signed for the Heat.
Morkel’s T20 record includes 77 wickets in 70 matches in the Indian Premier League with Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils.
