Morne Morkel joins White Ferns coaching staff for T20 World Cup

The White Ferns have bolstered their coaching unit ahead of the T20 World Cup in South Africa as Morne Morkel is set to join them before their opening clash against Australia on February 11 in Paarl. 

The former South African pacer will work closely with the fast bowling group along with helping the support staff with general coaching during the 15-day competition. 

The 28-year-old, who was recently part of the Namibia squad for the T20 World Cup Down Under, is relishing the opportunity to be involved in growing the women's sport. 

“The opportunity to join the White Ferns group and get involved in the women’s game was a no-brainer for me. The women’s game is growing so rapidly around the world, and this a great opportunity for me to build experience in the women’s game and share my knowledge of international cricket to help this team get better," Morkel said in a press release by New Zealand Cricket. 

“I’ve been following the women’s game and the White Ferns closely over the last couple of years, especially since moving to Australia and seeing their players who have played in the Women’s Big Bash. It’s a talented group of players and they have a very exciting pace bowling attack which I’ll be able to support Ben with," he further added. 

The right-arm pacer knows the conditions very well and will add a lot more value to the set-up, according to head coach Ben Sawyer. 

“We’re really excited to have Morne join the group for the World Cup. Morne had an outstanding international record as a player, and his first-hand experience in major international tournaments, coupled with his knowledge of the conditions in South Africa, will make him a huge asset," he said. 

“He was one of the best in the world as a player, so it will be a fantastic opportunity for our pace bowling group in particular, to learn and develop alongside one of the very best.

“It’s also a great nod for women’s cricket and the White Ferns that an individual with credentials such as Morne wants to be involved, and highlights NZC’s commitment to developing the women’s game," he concluded.