Morne Morkel resigned as Pakistan’s bowling coach following the team’s failure to make the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup on Monday, November 13.
Pakistan’s bowling as a whole was a huge disappointment throughout the tournament as both their fast bowlers and spinners failed to adapt to the conditions. Pakistan’s bowlers average of 38.97 in this tournament was the third worst of the team, with him scoring 6.32 runs per over, only Sri Lanka did better in this regard.
In the absence of Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi was unable to continue with the new ball, with the front line picking up just four wickets at 50.8 each in the nine matches. He finished with 18 wickets, but his lack of bite hurt the team. Shaheen and Haris Rauf combined for him to score 1,014 points across the event.
Rauch posted an economy rating of 6.75 in the tournament, but struggled with length for most of the tournament. Pakistan’s spinners also failed to raise their hands as the slow bowlers took 12 wickets in the league phase. Vice-captain Shadab Khan, in particular, was bland, averaging 118.50 points and taking two scalps, leading to his exit from the World Cup.
Morkel joined Pakistan on a six-month contract in June this year and announced his resignation with immediate effect. His first assignment was the men’s Test tour to Sri Lanka.
The former South African is set to captain the team in the three-match Test series starting December 14 in Australia, with the Pakistan Cricket Board expected to announce his replacement in due course.
Several major changes are expected in Pakistan cricket following the team’s early departure, with captain Babar Azam and head coach Mickey Arthur among those at the helm. Inzamam-ul-Haq resigned as chief examiner strong> and he was initially replaced by Tauseef Ahmed.
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