Former South Africa fast bowler Morne Morkel is set to join New Zealand women’s coaching staff for the 2023 T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played from February 10 to February 26 in the Rainbow Nation.
Morkel, who was part of the Namibia coaching staff during the men’s T20 World Cup last year, will link up with the White Ferns ahead of their opening game against Australia on February 11.
“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 was quoted as saying to ICC.
“I’ve been following the women’s game and the White Ferns (New Zealand women’s team) 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.”
Morkel will not only provide guidance to the New Zealand pacers but also give general coaching support to the entire squad.
“It’s a talented group of players and they have a very exciting pace-bowling attack which I’ll be able to support Ben Sawyer (New Zealand women’s team head coach) with. I know a lot about the South African conditions and have spent a lot of time working here in the past year, so that’s some important knowledge that I’ll be able to share with this group during the tournament.
“Playing in a World Cup is always exciting, so I’m looking forward to sharing that experience with the group and helping them achieve their goals. I’m really looking forward to meeting the group when they arrive in South Africa and getting started,” added the veteran Proteas seamer.
The White Ferns team for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, which will be named on Friday, is placed in Group A along with Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
