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Arthur: We're not panicking

Altus Momberg

Cape Town - Morné Morkel's return to the Proteas one day squad is not out of panic or to attest to the bowling crisis in the team - according to the Proteas coach, Mickey Arthur.

Morkel, who last played a one day international for South Africa at Wanderers in April against Australia, was called up as back up to the young fast bowler, Wayne Parnell, should Parnell not be fully fit.

Parnell has recently recovered from an ankle injury.

Even though he played club cricket in Port Elizabeth on Sunday, there is no certainty regarding his fitness for Friday's match at Newlands.

Arthur however denied that Morkel, who joined the team today, was included in reaction to the Proteas poor bowling performance at Centurion.

"Morné is an important part of our bowling attack in the Test series which begins next month.

"And even though he will not be taking part in the one day series, we want to draw him into practice for the Test series," says Arthur.

The Proteas especially struggled to take wickets in the second one day match against England and a player such as Morkel maybe not as consistent as coaches would like, but he is certainly a bowler who can take wickets.

He is almost two metres tall and he has the ability, especially in South African conditions, to get the ball to nip off the pitch.

Parnell will however have the opportunity to prove that he can repeat the excellent form he showed at the World Twenty20 tournament.

But if the Proteas' bowlers keep struggling to gain the upper hand over the English batsmen, then Morkel can definitely make an appearance in the series.

Ironically, in the same week that Morné returns to the squad, it looks as if older brother, Albie, is likely to be dropped for Friday's match.

"Albie does not have a set position in the batting line-up, him and Mark Boucher are rather used to bat as situations dictate.

"We felt that if Albie came into bat at 6, then we would not have enough firepower left for the end."

When Arthur was asked if Albie Morkel's career was not influenced by to much prejudice, he answered abruptly: "Albie's career is in his own hands.

"If he excels the way we expect him to, then there would not be any questions about him in press conferences."
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