Morkel looking for double blow

Albie Morkel looked in dangerous form for Durham in the recent Twenty20 Cup

Albie Morkel has set his sights on achieving a superb double for South Africa as they attempt to claim a Test and one-day series dual triumph over England.

The 27-year-old all-rounder, the older brother of fast bowler Morne, has watched at home with interest as his sibling helped South Africa complete their first Test series victory in England since 1965.

It was an historic moment for South Africa and Albie now wants to complete a memorable double by helping his country claim another success in the NatWest series, which comprises a Twenty20 international and five one-day internationals.

“We’ve been playing some good one-day cricket, we were number one in the world earlier this year and we’re a proud nation,” said Morkel.

“For us to come over here and win a Test series and a one-day series in England would be a big achievement and we’re all really keen to do that.”

Having just experienced the pace and hostility of one Morkel during the Test series, England must now prepare for the versatility of Albie in the Twenty20 showdown at Chester-le-Street next Wednesday.

He already has form for upsetting England during last year’s Twenty20 World Cup, when he followed up his 43 off 20 balls by claiming two for 12 in two overs to secure a comfortable victory for South Africa.

Morkel has since experienced English conditions, playing 11 matches for Durham in the Twenty20 Cup earlier this summer when he finished with an impressive strike rate of 154 from his 11 matches having hit 11 fours and 10 sixes during his stay.

“I’ve tried to keep myself fit during my time off and played a couple of games for Durham and then after that club cricket, but adapting to international cricket again is going to be my big challenge irrespective of the conditions,” he admitted.

“Getting used to the intensity that international players play at again is going to be my biggest step.”

He added: “The rest of the guys (one-day specialists) have been busy back home and they might be a bit rusty to begin with but they’ve got three warm-up games to get it right so hopefully we’ll all be alright for the start of the series.”