South African pacer Morne Morkel has decided to bid adieu to international cricket after the home Test series against Australia next month, saying that the "demanding schedule has put a lot of strain on his family life".
The 33-year-old bowler, who was part of South African squad during the just-concluded home series against India, said it was not an easy decision to take.
"It was an extremely tough decision but I feel the time is right to start a new chapter," he stated in a Cricket South Africa (CSA) release.
Morkel, who made his international Test debut against India back in 2006, has played 83 matches in the longest format so far, taking 294 wickets, making him the fifth highest wicket-taker for South Africa in the format.
Morkel also has 188 wickets in 117 one-day internationals, and 47 in 44 Twenty20 Internationals.
CSA acting CEO Thabang Moroe lauded Morkel's contribution to South African cricket.
Moroe called Morkel a role model in South African cricket.
"Those are characteristics Morne has shown throughout his career, we thank Morne for being both a fine player and an outstanding role model who has made our country proud. We wish him everything of the best in his future endeavours," Moroe said.
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