South Africa vs Australia 2018, 4th Test, Day 4: 5 Talking points

#2 Side strain? What side strain? Morne Morkel comes back and picks up two wickets

Even though he was not 100 percent fit, Morne Morkel came out all guns blazing

When Morne Morkel walked off the field with a side strain, things were not looking great. He did try to bowl in the lunch break to assess and see how far he can go.

The hope that the tall pacer will bowl in the second innings of his farewell Test was diminished after AB de Villiers’ chat to the broadcasters. He had told that Morne Morkel was a bit sore and will bowl only if needed.

But the big tall 32-year-old pacer was seen warming up during the tea break and that gave a slight hint that he might bowl but it wasn’t confirmed. However, there was a loud cheer and a roar from the crowd as they saw Morne Morkel at the start of his run-up in the 11th over of the innings.

Even though he was not 100 percent fit, he looked in good rhythm. In his first over, he rapped Renshaw on the pads and then beat him on the outside edge. And in his second over, he struck and gave South Africa the first breakthrough.

He attacked the stumps and caught Renshaw plumb in front. Morkel brought an end to a stoic and a fighting stand.

He also got rid of Joe Burns who was looking very good. He once again pitched the ball up and caught the right-handed opener right in front. It ended a fighting knock from Burns.

Morkel bowled a superb 8-over spell and ended the fourth day with figures of 8-4-18-2. He was always threatening and looked in great form.