Morkel rips through Yorkshire's top-order three months after retirement

Retirement from international cricket has not affected Morne Morkel even one bit. The lanky South African fast bowler showed he is perfectly capable of changing the course of a match in just one spell by running through the strong top order of Yorkshire in a County Championship Division one match at Scarborough.

Retirement from international cricket has not affected Morne Morkel even one bit. The lanky South African fast bowler showed he is perfectly capable of changing the course of a match in just one spell by running through the strong top-order of Yorkshire in a County Championship Division one match at Scarborough.

On Day 3 pitch, which had little to scare a batsman, Morkel bent his back and troubled the strong Yorkshire top-order with extra bounce and pace – something which he was known for in the international circuit for almost a decade.

Yorkshire started their second innings with a more than handy lead of 75 behind their back before Morkel brought Surrey right back into the match with his opening spell.

The former South Africa star first sent back Alex Lees for 1 in his second over, credit must be given to Jade Derbach, who took a stunning diving catch at mid-on. Before Yorkshire could react to the first wicket, Morkel made further inroads by getting Adam Lyth caught down the leg side reducing Yorkshire to 9 for 2.

💥 @mornemorkel65 has two wickets this morning both coming from very good catches. Yorkshire 9/2 (lead by 84)

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— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) June 27, 2018

When Yorkshire’s most experienced pair of Cheteshwar Pujara and Gary Balance just started to bail them out of trouble, Morkel struck again. The extra bounce was the key again, which forced Balance (15) to flash away from his body.

🏏 Morne Morkel claims his third wicket of the day.

Ballance goes after a soft dismissal, caught at point by Will Jacks. Yorkshire now 31 for 3.

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— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) June 27, 2018

Morkel had picked up two wickets in the first innings, taking his match tally to five and going by his first spell, it won't be wrong to expect a few more before the match comes to an end on Thursday.

As per the latest updates, Yorkshire are reeling at 53 for 5. Cheteshwar Pujara was out bowled by Jade Dernback for 17. 

Morkel had announced retirement from international cricket after the Australia series in April this year. He was adjudged Player of the Match in his last Test match. Morkel has 309 Test scalps and 188 ODI ones to his name.