IPL show earns CSA contract for Morkel

Durban, May 29 (UNI) Proteas all-rounder Albie Morkel's superb performances in the IPL has earned him a contract with Cricket South Africa (CSA) which takes effect from next month.

''His record earned him a contract with the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and he has been a stand-out player in getting them through to the semi-finals,'' CSA CEO Gerald Majola said in a statement.

''His improving value to the Proteas is illustrated by his batting strike rate of 154.34 (213 runs at an average of 35.50) and his bowling economy rate of 8.61 (11 wickets at 28.18) in this competition,'' he added.

Morkel, who is turning out for the Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural IPL, has been successful with both the ball and the bat in the cash-rich competition. He has scored 225 runs in the league at an average of 37.5 with an impressive strike rate of 150. He has also claimed 13 wickets with a tidy average of 8.68.

Apart from Morkel, batsman Neil McKenzie and Robin Andrews have also been included in the Proteas squad.

''After close examination of the talent available and the needs of the Proteas, it was felt that Neil, Albie and Robin would fill the identified gaps and should be drawn in as contracted players,'' Majola said. ''We are confident that they will add much value as CSA contracted players, and we look forward to the Proteas providing another highly successful season.'' The latest contracts bring the number of contracted players under the CSA to 18.

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