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Cape Town - Proteas fast bowler Morne Morkel has committed to playing for the Proteas and will do everything in his power to secure a spot in the 2019 World Cup squad, according to coach Ottis Gibson.
There had been speculation that Morkel was seeking assurances about being part of the Proteas plans for the 2019 World Cup and had offers from various teams in England to take up a Kolpak deal.
Morkel had acknowledged on a few occasions that his time with the Proteas was drawing to a close.
Prior to the Bangladesh Test series, he even reportedly admitted that he would consider taking a Kolpak deal if Gibson did not select the lanky fast bowler.
However, Gibson on Monday admitted that Morkel was still committed to the Proteas and would return to action early next year for the India and Australia tour.
"Morne is pretty committed to the Proteas over the next couple of years," Gibson said, as quoted by Cricinfo.
"Obviously, the World Cup is a big thing. He is well aware that there can be no guarantees with regards to that. When it comes to 2019, it will be form, fitness, conditions that sort of thing.
"We had a good, honest discussion and he has committed his future to us over the next couple of years," he said.
Morkel missed the Proteas' three-match ODI series against Bangladesh after suffering a side-strain injury in the first Test and is likely to be out of action for about six weeks.
