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Cape Town - Former English batsman Kevin Pietersen says South Africa should opt for Kyle Abbott instead of Morne Morkel for the second Test against Australia at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart.
With Dale Steyn ruled out of the three-Test series, the Proteas’ selectors have to choose between the bowling options of Morkel and Abbott.
Morkel is coming off a back injury and was not 100% fit to play in the first Test at the WACA in Perth.
Proteas coach Russell Domingo told the media that they’ll have to assess the lanky fast bowler’s fitness to make a call on whether he’ll be fit to play in Hobart.
Abbott, on the other hand, has been consistent and waiting patiently for his inclusion in the Test squad.
The experienced Morkel may get the nod with 71 Tests and 242 wickets to his name, while Abbott has only played seven Tests, claiming 21 wickets.
Pietersen, who is currently commentating on the three-match Test series, said he'd love to see his former Dolphins team-mate Abbott picked over Morkel in the second Test.
"I think in Hobart, (with the ball) swinging and seaming, you need an areas kind of bowler," Pietersen told cricket.com.au.
"I think Kyle Abbott's your bowler - he pitches it up, gets it to swing a bit, bowls good areas.
"He'll complement that bowling attack really, really nicely, so fingers crossed the selectors go with Abbott,” Pietersen added.
The second Test in Hobart starts on Saturday, November 12 at 01:30 (SA time).
