Former South Africa fast bowler Morne Morkel will join the White Ferns coaching group for next month's Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa.
Morne Morkel during his playing days Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Morkel, who was part of the Namibia coaching staff for the recent men's T20 World Cup in Australia, will provide fast bowling and general coaching support during the tournament.
The former Protea, who will join up with the group ahead of the opening pool match against Australia, said he was relishing the opportunity to experience coaching in the women's game.
"The opportunity to join the group and get involved in the women's game was a no-brainer for me," said Morkel.
"The women's game is growing so rapidly around the world, and this a great opportunity for me to build experience in the women's game and share my knowledge of international cricket to help this team get better.
"I've been following the women's game and the White Ferns closely over the last couple of years, especially since moving to Australia and seeing their players who have played in the Women's Big Bash.
"It's a talented group of players and they have a very exciting pace bowling attack which I'll be able to support Ben with.
Morkel said he was looking forward to joining up with the team for an exciting World Cup campaign.
"I know a lot about the South African conditions and have spent a lot of time working here in the past year, so that' some important knowledge that I'll be able to share with this group during the tournament.
"Playing in a World Cup is always exciting, so I'm looking forward to sharing that experience with the group and helping them achieve their goals.
"I'm really looking forward to meeting the group when they arrive in South Africa and getting started."
A three-format international, Morkel played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs and 44 T20s for South Africa between 2006 and 2018, taking 544 wickets.
As a player he featured in eight World Cups as well as in domestic leagues around the globe, including the Indian Premier League, the Vitality Blast, and the Big Bash.
Alongside his experience with Namibia, Morkel is also bowling coach for the Durban Super Giants in the new SA20 League leading up to the World Cup.
New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer said Morkel would bring valuable knowledge of the South African conditions to the group.
"We're really excited to have Morne join the group for the World Cup," said Sawyer.
"Morne had an outstanding international record as a player, and his first-hand experience in major international tournaments, coupled with his knowledge of the conditions in South Africa, will make him a huge asset.
"He was one of the best in the world as a player, so it will be a fantastic opportunity for our pace bowling group in particular to learn and develop alongside one of the very best.
"It's also a great nod for women's cricket and the White Ferns, that an individual with credentials such as Morne wants to be involved, and highlights NZC's commitment to developing the women's game.
"We're looking forward to welcoming Morne into the group and supporting him with his coaching development in South Africa."
The White Ferns will name their squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup on Friday, before departing for South Africa on January 23.
WHITE FERNS ICC Women's T20 World Cup schedule (NZ time)
Sunday 12 February | WHITE FERNS v Australia | 6:00am, Boland Park, Paarl
Tuesday 14 February | WHITE FERNS v South Africa | 6:00am, Boland Park, Paarl
Saturday 18 February | WHITE FERNS v Bangladesh | 2:00am, Newlands, Cape Town
Monday 20 February | WHITE FERNS v Sri Lanka | 6:00am, Boland Park, Paarl